Management of malignant pleural effusions and pneumothorax

This review focuses on the management of two common pleural abnormalities: malignant pleural effusion and pneumothorax. Pleural effusions are common i n patients with advanced malignancy and typically manifest with progressive , incapacitating dyspnea. Therapy is palliative, with pleural fluid drainag e often resulting in rapid, symptomatic improvement. Pneumothoraces can occ ur as a result of long-standing lung disease or as a complication of a diag nostic or therapeutic procedure. Small-bore tube placement is safe and usua lly successful in the treatment of symptomatic pneumothoraces.