7. Pleural effusions
The pleura is the lining that covers the lungs, and while pleural effusions are more common among patients with pleural mesothelioma, they can occur in patients who suffer from any form of the disease. Pleural effusions is a large amount of fluid that accumulates between the lungs and the chest cavity. In healthy patients, a small amount of lubricating fluid is present in the pleura, pericardium and peritoneum. The fluid keeps the organs moist and when it exceeds its normal level, it’s naturally expelled.
However, in patients with mesothelioma, the fluid may not be properly evacuated and it accumulates in the mesothelium.
