Tumors located in the cavity between the chest wall and the lungs that include pleural fluid are almost always metastatic.
Cancerous pleural tumors are commonly secondary cancers that have spread to the pleural region from somewhere else — typically the lungs.
Cancer cells travel into this area through the lymph system and bloodstream. They can produce one or more cancerous tumors. Additionally, they can trigger an abnormal amount of pleural fluid in the chest cavity — something known as pleural effusion cancer.
When oncologists can extract and evaluate the fluid, it can be used to diagnose pleural effusion cancer. Otherwise, the tumors are often noticed during X-rays for other purposes.
Pleural Cancer Causes
The most common cause of pleural cancer is mesothelioma, which is lung cancer that is related to asbestos exposure.
Pleural Cancer Symptoms
Some of the most common pleural cancer symptoms include:
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
- Coughing for a long time
- Unexpected weight loss
- Back pain
- Coughing up blood
- Fever
- Chest pain
Pleural cancer symptoms may not present in the beginning stages of the condition. Or, pleural cancer symptoms may be very similar to lung cancer symptoms. It is important to see a doctor as soon as you begin experiencing symptoms. He or she will ask you how long you have been experiencing symptoms as well as other questions that will help figure out the cause of your problem.
Pleural Cancer Diagnosis
Pleural cancer does not usually cause symptoms, so it is unlikely that a patient will realize they have the condition unless it is found on an imaging test.
Some of the most common diagnostic tests and procedures include:
- Chest X-rays
- Computed tomography (CT scans)
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Positron-emission tomography (PET)
- Bronchoscopy
- Tissue biopsy
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