Pleural malignancy

Question 1

Define pleural effusion?

Answer 1

• abnormal fluid collection in pleural space

Question 2

What investigations would be carried out for pleural effusion?

Answer 2

• PA CXR
• Plueral aspiration
• cytology
• culture

Question 3

Straw coloured pleural fluid may suggest?

Answer 3

• cardiac failure

Question 4

Bloody pleural fluid may suggest?

Answer 4

• trauma

- infection

Question 5

Milky coloured pleural fluid may suggest?

Answer 5

• empyema

Question 6

Foul smelling pleural fluid may suggest?

Answer 6

• anaerobic empyema

Question 7

Food particles in pleural fluid may suggest?

Answer 7

• oesophageal rupture

Question 8

Transudate pleural fluid has a protein count of _______ and may suggest_______

Answer 8

• <30g/L

- liver cirrhosis, heart failure

Question 9

Exudate pleural fluid has a protein count of _______ and may suggest_______

Answer 9

• > 30g/L
• Malignancy
• infection (TB?)

Question 10

Neutrophils in pleural effusion suggest?

Answer 10

• acute process

Question 11

Lymphocytes in pleural effusion suggest?

Answer 11

• chronic process

- TB?

Question 12

What is the name given to the treatment of insertion of a needle into the pleural space, to drain plueral fluid?

Answer 12

• thoaracentesis

Question 13

What is mesothelioma?

Answer 13

• malignant tumour of the pleural lining

Question 14

What causes mesothelioma?

Answer 14

• previous asbestos exposure?

- may occur 30-40 years after

Question 15

What are the treatments for mesothelioma?

Answer 15

• pleurodesis
• radiotherapy
• chemotherapy
• surgery

Question 16

What is a pneumothorax?

Answer 16

• air in the pleural space

Question 17

Explain pleurodesis?

Answer 17

• using a scelorising agent such as talc

- sticks pleural surfaces together = no fluid

Question 18

typical patient with a pnuemothorax?

Answer 18

• tall thin man

- cannibas?

Question 19

Signs of a tension pneumothorax

Answer 19

• SOB
• absence of air entry
• tracheal deviation
• hypotension
• raised JVP