Title: Clinical Profile of Patients with Malignant Pleural Effusion
Authors: Smit Janrao, Rahul Rathod,, Pranav Deore, Sayali Bhambar
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v5i6.17
Abstract
Introduction: Pleural effusion (PE) refers to the excessive or abnormal accumulation of fluid in the pleural space. Approximately one-fourth of all PE and 30 - 70% of all exudative effusions in hospital settings are secondary to cancer. The present study was conducted with the objective of identifying the relative proportion of different malignancies and clinical profile of patients with malignant PE.
Materials & Methods: A total of 89 consecutive cases ≥ 18 years having pleural effusion with proven underlying malignancy were included in a hospital based observational study. Detailed clinical history, general and systemic examination was done in all patients. A chest radiograph was done and the size of effusion was estimated in all cases.A diagnostic thoracentesis was then performed on all patients and biochemical and cytological examination was done on the aspirated pleural fluid.
Results: The mean age of study subjects was 59.06± 15.53 years with male to female ratio was 1.02:1. Most common organ involved was lung (43.8%), carcinoma breast (15.73%) and carcinoma ovary (14.6%). Histopathologically adenocarcinoma was most common accounting for 28.1%, followed by squamous cell carcinoma were 22.5%. All malignant pleural effusion were exudative in nature. Large effusion was seen in 53.9% cases. Pleural fluid appearance was more commonly found to be haemorrhagic (50.56%). Pleural fluid cytology was positive for malignant cells in 68.5% cases.
Conclusion: Malignant effusions are more common in age group of above 50 years and are mostly exudative effusions. These are most commonly associated with malignancies of lung followed by breast, ovary, cervix and lymphomas.
Keywords: Clinical Profile, Lung Carcinoma, Malignant Pleural effusion, Pleural fluid cytology.References
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