Pleural effusions (fluid around the lungs) are very common with lung cancer, affecting many people. The fluid can build up due to the cancer itself or as a side effect of treatments like chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Some MyLungCancerTeam members have shared similar experiences with ongoing fluid buildup requiring Show Full Answer
Hi Friend. My husband and I are new to this site. He recently had a thoracentesis for malignant effusion. The pulmonologist informed us there is a good chance the fluid would build up again. My husband knows the symptoms now and knows when it will be time for another fluid drainage. If you are stable and the fluid can be easily accessed it can be done with ultrasound in the clinic. Sometimes the provider might have to do it under CT for safety. Hand in there, I think you are amazing.