Ms. Zhao, a 50-year-old lung cancer patient, successfully underwent tumor resection surgery half a year ago. She thought her life was back on track, but the incomplete absorption of pleural effusion after surgery filled her with anxiety. Fearing tumor recurrence and metastasis, she was eager to seek expert consultation.
Pleural effusion
Incomplete Absorption of Pleural Effusion Is a Normal Phenomenon
To solve the “mystery” in her heart, in January this year, recommended by many patients, Ms. Zhao came to the outpatient clinic of Professor Yang Nong, a distinguished expert at Hainan Cancer Hospital.
After carefully reviewing Ms. Zhao’s imaging data, Professor Yang Nong gave a reassuring conclusion. He patiently explained to Ms. Zhao that, based on her current physical condition, the incomplete absorption of pleural effusion is a normal phenomenon and there is no need to worry.
“Combined with your physical condition, the current degree of pleural effusion is not a problem, and it is not necessary for the pleural effusion to resolve completely to be considered normal,” Professor Yang Nong further explained. Most lung cancer patients will have pleural effusion after surgery. Some patients’ pleural effusion will gradually resolve on its own, while others may have pleural effusion for a long time. Especially for some patients with a relatively large scope of surgery, there are more exudates after surgery. These exudates accumulate in the thoracic cavity and fail to be absorbed in time, forming a certain amount of pleural effusion, so there is no need to worry too much.
Professor Yang Nong suggested that Ms. Zhao could stop chemotherapy and switch to targeted drug therapy in the subsequent treatment stage.
Does Pleural Effusion Means Tumor Metastasis?
Regarding pleural effusion, Professor Yang Nong said that lung cancer patients are often accompanied by pleural effusion, that is, pleural fluid, which refers to the accumulation of fluid in the pleural cavity between the lung and the chest wall. Many diseases, such as pneumonia, tuberculosis, heart disease, and malignant tumors, may cause pleural effusion.
“Doespleural effusion in lung cancer patients means tumor metastasis?” This is a question of concern to many patients and their families.
Professor Yang Nong gave a professional answer to this question. He noted that if you want to determine whether pleural effusion is caused by tumor metastasis, you can draw pleural effusion for cytological examination to see if there are tumor cells. Usually, red or turbid pleural effusionis most likely to be caused by tumor metastasis, and people must be wary of that.
Expert introduction
Consultation Information
[Consultation Time] January 25th, morning, First Consultation Area, Hainan Cancer Hospital
[Appointment Registration] Follow Hainan Cancer Hospitals official WeChat account for “appointment registration”
[Health Consultation] 13876807106
Friendly Reminder
To help the expert understand your condition quickly, please bring the following:
1. ID card, medical insurance card, and mobile phone
2. Accompanying direct relatives (with decision-making authority)
3. Relevant previous examination results, organized chronologically
4. Paper medical records from previous consultations
5. Surgical case slides, wax blocks, or 20-30 glass slides
6. Pathological diagnosis report
7. Hospitalization medical records
8. Recent relevant examination results
9. The patients current treatment plan
10. The most urgent questions to consult