Alternative Names
Tumor – metastatic pleural
Definition of Metastatic pleural tumor
Metastatic pleural tumor is a type of that has spread from another organ to the thin membrane (pleura) surrounding the lungs.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
The blood and lymph systems can carry cancer cells to other organs in the body, where they can produce new growths or tumors. The spread of cancer cells to other parts of the body occurs in 20-40% of patients who are dying of cancer.
Treatment
Pleural tumors usually cannot be removed with surgery. The original (primary) cancer should be treated. and may be appropriate, depending on the type of primary cancer.
Expectations (prognosis)
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.
Review
David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; Yi-Bin Chen, MD, Leukemia/Bone Marrow Transplant Program, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc. – 6/2/2010
