Monaldi archives for chest disease = Archivio Monaldi per le malattie del torace / Fondazione clinica del lavoro, IRCCS [and] Istituto di clinica tisiologica e malattie apparato respiratorio, Università di Napoli, Secondo ateneo
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Lung and breast cancer are responsible for the majority of malignant pleural effusions. The diagnosis of a malignant pleural effusion signifies a limited survival for most patients. During their final months, dyspnea is the most common symptom and requires palliation. ⋯ Parietal pleurectomy should be reserved only for patients who have failed chemical pleurodesis or have a trapped lung with an expected survival > 6 months. To provide the highest quality of life for patients with malignant pleural effusions, the least invasive, morbid and costly therapy should be used. Success of the initial procedure is important, as repeat procedures are associated with additional hospitalization, patient discomfort, and increased expense; therefore, the selection of patients for palliation and the modality utilized is critical to avoiding further hardship to the patient.