Metastatic Pleural Tumor
Alternate Names : Tumor - Metastatic Pleural
DefinitionMetastatic pleural tumors are a type of cancer caused by malignant cells that have spread from another organ to the pleural space (the space surrounding the lungs).
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Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Cancer cells can be transported by the blood and lymph systems to other organs in the body, where they can produce new growths or tumors. Almost any cancer can spread to the lungs, and metastases (spread of cancer cells to other parts of the body) are found in 20% to 40% of patients dying of cancer.
Metastatic pleural tumors usually cause a pleural effusion (collection of fluid in the pleural space), which is often bloody. Patients who have previously had cancer are at risk for developing metastatic pleural tumors if the cancer was not successfully controlled with treatment. The incidence is 5 out of 10,000 people.
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