Catheter Placement for Lung Cancer

Overview
Catheter placement is a procedure used to remove excess fluid surrounding the lungs. In some cases of lung cancer, fluid builds up in the area of the chest outside the lungs and underneath the chest wall. This area is known as the pleural space, and the accumulation of fluid is called pleural effusion. Excess fluid keeps the lungs from fully expanding, so breathing can become difficult. Removing the fluid can make it easier to breathe and reduce symptoms such as shortness of breath.

What does it involve?
Catheter placement involves inserting a thin, flexible tube into the pleural space to remove excess fluid. The procedure is performed under a local anesthetic. An area of skin will be numbed, and then the tube will be inserted through an incision. One end of the tube will be left outside the body and can be attached to a container that collects the drained fluid.

Side effects
Risks from catheter placement include pain, bleeding, bruising, and infection.

For more details about this treatment, visit:

Palliative Procedures for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer — American Cancer Society
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/lung-cancer/treat...