Lung diseases

Pleurodesis with Stage 5 Ovarian Cancer 02/24/2011

Question:

Hi What would the risk factors be to have a pleurodesis carried out on a 35 year old with stage 5 ovarian cancer? In a medical opinion is it worth going through that and is there a high risk of a pulmonary embolism?

Answer:

Thank you for your question. A pleurodesis can often provide a patient with symptomatic relief from recurring fluid in the pleural space (space around the lung). However, the risks and benefits of such a procedure should be weighed against other options such as repeated drainage. The decision ultimately has to be a personal one. I would suggest that you discuss this with your provider.

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Response by:

Patrick Nana-Sinkam, MD Associate Professor of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care & Sleep College of Medicine The Ohio State University