Pleural Effusion In Patients With Advanced Breast Cancer

Abstract

Malignant pleural effusion is one of the late manifestations of breast cancer. Of 141 patients admitted for breast cancer in the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin-City, Nigeria, over a six year period (January 2000 – December, 2005), 10(7%) were admitted for the management of moderate to massive pleural effusion. They were all females aged between 32 and 66 (mean 50 years) and had clinical features of advanced disease. Management consisted of relief of dyspnoea by thoracentesis and oxygen administration, analygesics and chemotherapy with the CAF regimen (cyclophosphamide, adriamycin and 5 fluorouracil). They all died within one year of presentation.
Malignant pleural effusion from breast cancer signifies advanced disease and carries a poor prognosis.


Keywords: Pleural effusion, Breast cancer, Benin-City

Sahel Medical Journal Vol. 10 (4) 2007: pp. 137-141