Diagnostic Approach to Malignant Pleural Effusion- An Experience in Tertiary Care Centre

Abstract

Background: Pleural effusion may be due to benign or malignant causes. Patient with known malignancy raises the possibility of pleural involvement. In majority of cases, malignant pleural effusion is associated with high morbidity and mortality.Confirmation of malignancy by cytological or histological examination of pleural fluid is currently important modality in establishing the diagnosis. Aim And Objective -To diagnose malignant pleural effusion by cytological and histological examination of pleural fluid at our centre. Methods: Cross-sectional study including all the patients with pleural effusion done on 101 cases. Results: Most of the effusions are benign. Initial pleural fluid cytology was positive for malignancy in 40% of patients. Thoracoscopic pleural biopsy confirmed 75% positive cases for malignancy.Malignancy causing pleural effusion are mostly due to carcinoma of lungs and breast. Conclusion: Cytological and histopathological examination of pleural fluid are useful diagnostic tools in patients with pleural effusion.