What is Pleural Disease?
The lungs are surrounded by two
thin layers of tissue, the pleura. One of these layers is stuck to the
lung (Visceral pleura), and the other to the chest wall (parietal
pleura). There is a small fluid filled space between them called the
pleural space. Two clinical problems occur if this space fills up with
fluid (pleural effusion) or air (Pneumothorax). Patients with these
conditions are often treated by members of the Sheffield Thoracic
Institute at either the Northern General or Royal Hallamshire sites.
Management may involve imaging the
chest with CT or Ultrasound, and removal of air/fluid with a needle or a larger
flexible drain. It may be necessary to take a sample of tissue for further
examination, and this is usually done by radiologists with a special needle, or
at operation (keyhole surgery "thoracoscopy"). Recurrence may be prevented by
sticking the two layers of pleura together (pleurodesis).
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