The pleura (ploor´-uh) is the membrane that lines your chest (thoracic) cavity and covers your lungs. The layers of your pleura contain a small amount of fluid that acts as a lubricant as you breathe in and out. The space between the layers is called the pleural cavity.
Pleural effusion, which is excess fluid in the pleural cavity, is one of the most common problems seen by primary care physicians.
Some estimates report an incidence of one million cases of pleural effusion in the United States each year.
The causes of pleural disease depend upon what type of disease you have.
Symptoms of pleural disease also depend upon what type of disease you have.
Pleural diseases include pleural effusion, pleurisy, pneumothorax, hemothorax, and pleural tumors.
CT scan showing giant compressive malignant fibrous tumor of the pleura
After taking a detailed medical history and performing a physical examination, your doctor may order any of the following: chest radiography (X-ray), computed tomography (CT scan), blood tests, etc.
Your treatment will vary depending on the type of pleural disease you have. If you require surgery, you will need to consult with a cardiothoracic surgeon to determine your treatment options.
Below are examples of treatment options for pleural diseases. Talk to your doctor about the treatment that is right for you.
Video-Assisted Thorascopic Surgery (VATS) or Robotic Assisted Surgery
Minimally invasive alternatives to open chest surgery that involves less pain and recovery time. After you receive a sedative, your surgeon will make tiny incisions in your chest and then insert a fiber-optic camera called a thorascope. Images from the thorascope will give the surgeon important information that will help guide the appropriate treatment.
Using a needle or catheter that your surgeon inserts through your ribs in the back of your chest into your chest wall, the excess pleural fluid will be removed.
A procedure in which your surgeon will inject a chemical agent into your pleural space. The chemical will irritate the pleural layers and eliminate the chance for fluid buildup.
Treatment for mechanical problems (fluid, air, or blood) focuses mainly on removing the fluid, air, or blood from the pleural space, relieving the symptoms, and treating the underlying condition.
Your recovery time will vary depending on the type of pleural disease you have and how it was treated.