What Is A Pleural Cavity?
A pleural effusion is a buildup of fluid between the layers of tissue that line the lungs and chest cavity.
Alternative Names
Fluid in the chest; Fluid on the lung; Pleural fluid
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
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:
- Tran...
More information on "What Is A Pleural Cavity?"
From Our Sources
Pleurisy And Pleural Effusion
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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 »
Asbestos-related pleural effusion
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 »
Pleural fluid smear
Source: ADAM Encyclopedia
ReferencesBroaddus VC, Light RW. Pleural effusion. In: Mason RJ, Murray J, Broaddus VC, Nadel J, eds. Textbook of Respiratory Medicine. 4th ed.... Read more »
Pleural fluid analysis
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 »
Tuberculous pleural effusion
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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 »
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