MyOvarianCancerTeam

Has anyone else experienced pleural effusion with ovarian cancer?

Yes, pleural effusion (fluid buildup around the lungs) does happen with ovarian cancer, and you're not alone in this experience. A MyOvarianCancerTeam member shared, "My lung sac keeps filling up," when discussing their experience with fluid accumulation.

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Has anyone else experienced pleural effusion with ovarian cancer?

Yes, pleural effusion (fluid buildup around the lungs) does happen with ovarian cancer, and you're not alone in this experience. A MyOvarianCancerTeam member shared, "My lung sac keeps filling up," when discussing their experience with fluid accumulation.

Pleural effusion can occur when ovarian cancer reaches stage 4, meaning it has spread beyond the ovaries. This fluid buildup between the lungs and chest can cause breathing problems, chest heaviness, coughing, chest pain, and difficulty lying flat.

The fact that draining the fluid led to finding your cancer cells is actually not uncommon. When doctors drain pleural effusion, they often test the fluid to understand what's causing it, which can reveal cancer cells.

Treatment options for pleural effusion include:
- Removing fluid with a needle (which you've already had done)
- Inserting a tube or catheter into the chest for ongoing drainage
- Creating a shunt to redirect fluid from the lungs to the abdomen

If the fluid continues to accumulate, talk with your doctor about these other management options to help you breathe more comfortably.

 AI-generated responses are not a substitute for medical advice. These services are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any condition or disease. Always ask your doctor about specific health concerns.

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