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 in patients with advanced malignancy and typically manifest with progressive, incapacitating dyspnea. Therapy is palliative, with pleural fluid drainage often resulting in rapid, symptomatic improvement. Pneumothoraces can occur as a result of long-standing lung disease or as a complication of a diagnostic or therapeutic procedure. Small-bore tube placement is safe and usually successful in the treatment of symptomatic pneumothoraces.