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Alternative names Return to top
Tumor - metastatic pleuralDefinition Return to top
Metastatic pleural tumors are a type of cancer caused by malignant cells that have spread from another organ to the pleural space (the space surrounding the lungs).Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top
Cancer cells can be transported by the blood and lymph systems to other organs in the body, where they can produce new growths or tumors. Almost any cancer can spread to the lungs, and metastases (spread of cancer cells to other parts of the body) are found in 20-40% of patients dying of cancer.
Metastatic pleural tumors usually cause a pleural effusion (collection of fluid in the pleural space), which is often bloody. Patients who have previously had cancer are at risk for developing metastatic pleural tumors if the cancer was not successfully controlled with treatment. The incidence is 5 out of 10,000 people.
Symptoms Return to top
Signs and tests Return to top
Treatment Return to top
Pleural tumors usually cannot be surgically removed. The primary cancer should be treated. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy may be appropriate treatment choices depending upon the type of primary cancer.Support Groups Return to top
The stress of illness can often be helped by joining a support group where members share common experiences and problems. See cancer - support group and lung disease - support group.Expectations (prognosis) Return to top
The 5-year survival rate (number of people who live for more than 5 years after diagnosis) is less than 25% for people with metastatic pleural tumors.Complications Return to top
Calling your health care provider Return to top
Call your health care provider if you experience symptoms of this disorder.Prevention Return to top
Early detection and treatment of primary cancers may prevent metastatic pleural tumors in some individuals. Update Date: 8/4/2004 Updated by: Stephen Grund, M.D., Ph.D., Chief of Hematology/Oncology and Director of the George Bray Cancer Center at New Britain General Hospital, New Britain, CT. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |