Difficulty in Controlling Malignant Pleural Effusion

Ignatius B Prasetya1, Eric D Tenda2
1Department of Internal Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia
2Division of Respirology and Critical Care, Department of Internal Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Cipto
Mangunkusumo Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia

ABSTRACT

Malignant pleural effusion is the second leading cause of exudative pleural effusions, usually recurrent and represents advanced malignant disease. Treatment options were restricted to symptomatic purpose in order to increase functional capacity and quality of life. In this case, a 35-years old woman with history of breast cancer was admitted with worsening dyspnea since 4 months prior. The patient was told that there was fluid in her left lung. She underwent thoracocentesis twice, pleuroscopy and pleurodesis with little success. The treatment option switches to placement of pleural catheter to control the effusion. This option, however, may leave the patient and caregivers with routine task of aspiration of the fluid and with greater risk of infection.
Key words: Malignant pleural effusion