Malignant
pleural effusion is commonly referred to as "cancerous pleural
fluid". When imaging reports indicate the presence of pleural effusion,
many patients and their families inevitably become anxious: does this mean that
the tumor has metastasized? If the pleural effusion is completely controlled or
even eliminated through treatment, does it mean that there is a chance to
surgically remove the primary lesion? What exactly is the relationship between
pleural effusion and tumor progression?
To address these crucial questions related to treatment decisions, we have specially invited Professor Yang Nong, a distinguished expert from Hainan Cancer Hospital, to provide a professional interpretation for everyone.
Q: Can the primary lesion be removed once the pleural effusion is controlled to complete resolution?
Professor Yang Nong: We will assess such situations with extra caution.
The pleural effusion in most patients with advanced disease is essentially caused by pleural metastasis. At this stage, if only the primary lesion is surgically removed, even if the local lesion is cleared in the short term, it will be difficult to substantially prolong the overall survival time of the patient. Therefore, careful assessment is necessary.
Attention
Only when the pleural effusion has completely subsided and the metastatic lesions have significantly regressed as confirmed by endoscopic examination, should consideration be given to removing the remaining primary lesion. This is a scientifically feasible treatment option.
Q: What exactly is pleural effusion?
Professor Yang Nong: Pleural effusion, also known as pleural fluid accumulation, is a condition where 1-30ml of fluid is normally present in the enclosed cavity formed by the parietal and visceral pleurae, serving to lubricate the pleurae.
Malignant pleural effusion refers to the accumulation of fluid in the pleural cavity caused by primary malignant tumors originating in the pleura or by metastatic malignant tumors from other sites to the pleura.
Q: Does the presence of pleural effusion in lung cancer patients mean tumor metastasis?
Professor Yang Nong: To determine whether pleural effusion is caused by tumor metastasis, one can perform a cytological examination on the extracted pleural fluid to check for the presence of tumor cells.
Attention
Generally, pleural effusion with red or turbid characteristics is more likely to be caused by tumor metastasis, and vigilance must be heightened in such cases.
Expert Introduction / Consultation Information
[Expert Introduction]
Yang Nong
Chief Physician, Doctoral Supervisor
Long-term employed experts of Hainan Cancer Hospital and Hainan Chengmei Hospital
He currently serves as Vice President of the Second People's Hospital of Hunan Province, head of the oncology department, and director of the "Yang Nong Famous Doctor Clinic" / "Yang Nong Famous Doctor Expert Team Clinic". He is also a chief expert of the National Major Scientific and Technological Special Project, a member of the Lung Cancer Special Committee of the National Tumor Quality Control Center, the director of the Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Lung Cancer, and the director of the Hunan Provincial Respiratory Tumor Clinical Medical Research Center. He has been dedicated to precision targeted therapy for lung cancer and gastrointestinal tumors, as well as to clinical, scientific research, and teaching work related to difficult, recurrent, and drug-resistant cases for nearly 30 years.
He has been honored with the title of "National Famous Doctor - Excellent Style" in the 6th edition, and has been recommended by patients across the country as "Annual Good Doctor" for 8 consecutive years, as well as being awarded the title of "First Brain Doctor - Famous Doctor". He has authored national guidelines, boasts over 500,000 followers across the internet, and has achieved over 120 million views on his anti-cancer science popularization videos.
Medical expertise
Specialties: Precision treatment of lung cancer, breakthrough in refractory, recurrent, and drug-resistant cases with brain metastasis; individualized and precise treatment of brain metastases from lung cancer; early diagnosis of pulmonary nodules and lung cancer; personalized comprehensive diagnosis and treatment of solid tumors; clinical trials of the latest immunotherapy/targeted therapy drugs.
·With nearly 30 years of experience in precision immunotherapy for lung cancer, he has led nearly 400 phase I-III clinical trials of new anticancer drugs (including national Class 1 new drugs), and is particularly skilled in treating complex cases such as refractory, recurrent, and drug-resistant conditions, as well as brain metastases.
·Early diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary nodules and lung cancer, with an annual diagnosis of over 2,000 cases (over 10,000 cases accumulated from 2019 to 2024), and a detection rate of over 90% (retrospective study in 2023).
·Proficient in comprehensive diagnosis and treatment of multiple cancer types, individualized, and interdisciplinary, covering pan-solid tumors (such as stomach/intestine/brain, etc.).
·Professor Yang Nong receives over 14,000 visits annually (2023 data).
·Managing the "Lung Cancer Immunotherapy Patient Group", with long-term follow-up management of over 4,000 lung cancer patients who have achieved long-term survival, accumulating rich clinical experience.
[Visit information]
01 [Visit Time and Location]
November 15th, 14:00-17:00
The sixth consultation area of Hainan Cancer Hospital
02 [Appointment registration]
Follow the official account of Hainan Cancer Hospital for "appointment registration"
03 [Health Consultation]
13876807106
04 [Friendly Reminder]
To facilitate the experts in understanding your condition as soon as possible, please bring:
1. ID card, medical insurance card, mobile phone
2. Accompany immediate family members (with decision-making authority)
3. Arrange the relevant examinations you have undergone in chronological order
4. Paper medical records of previous visits
5. Surgical case biopsy: paraffin blocks or 20-30 white slides
6. Pathological diagnosis report
7. Inpatient medical records and notes
8. Recent relevant examinations
9. The patient's current treatment plan
10. The most pressing questions I want to inquire about