Pleural tumors usually cannot be removed with surgery. The original (primary) cancer should be treated. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy may be appropriate, depending on the type of primary cancer.

Therapeutic thoracentesis may be done if the fluid collection is large and is causing pressure, shortness of breath, or other breathing problems (such as low oxygen levels). Removing the fluid can allow the lung to expand more, and can ease breathing difficulties.

To keep the fluid from building up again, sometimes medication will be placed in the chest space through a tube. Or, a surgeon can insert a scope through a small cut in the chest wall to remove the fluid (thorascopy). Then a medication or talc is sprayed over the lung surface to keep the cancer cells from creating more fluid in the future.

You can ease the stress of illness by joining a support group where members share common experiences and problems.

See:

• Cancer - support group
• Lung disease - support group

The 5-year survival rate (number of people who live for more than 5 years after diagnosis) is less than 25% for people with pleural tumors that have spread.

• Side effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy
• Continued spread of cancer

Call your health care provider if you experience symptoms of this disorder.