A pleural effusion is a buildup of fluid between the layers of tissue that line the lungs and chest cavity.
Fluid in the chest; Fluid on the lung; Pleural fluid
Your body produces pleural fluid in small amounts to lubricate the surfaces of the pleura, the thin tissue that lines the chest cavity and surrounds the lungs. A pleural effusion is an abnormal, excessive collection of this fluid.
Two different types of effusions can develop:
Source: ADAM Encyclopedia
Asbestos-related pleural effusion is a collection of fluid around the lung that generally develops a few years after asbestos exposure. The fluid... Read more »
Source: ADAM Encyclopedia
Tuberculous (TB) pleural effusion is a buildup of fluid in the space between the lining of the lung and the lung tissue (pleural space) after a... Read more »
Source: Harvard Decision Guide
What Is It? Pleurisy means inflammation of the pleura, the membrane that covers the lungs and lines the inside of the chest cavity. Depending on its... Read more »
Source: ADAM Encyclopedia
Parapneumonic pleural effusion is a buildup of fluid between layers of the tissue lining the lung and the chest cavity, which develops in the setting... Read more »
Source: ADAM Encyclopedia
Pleural fluid analysis examines fluid that has collected in the pleural space -- the small area outside of the lungs but inside the chest cavity.See... Read more »