Epidemiology

• Incidence: approximately 6% of patients develop pleural effusion following 4000-6000 rads of radiation administered for breast cancer [Pleural effusions following supervoltage radiation for breast carcinoma Radiology 1959; 72: 699-709]

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Physiology

• Radiation Therapy (see Radiation Therapy, [[Radiation Therapy]])

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Clinical Manifestations

Pulmonary Manifestations

Pleural Effusion (see Pleural Effusion-Exudate, [[Pleural Effusion-Exudate]])

• Epidemiology
  • Always occurs in association with radiation pneumonitis (see Radiation Pneumonitis and Fibrosis, [[Radiation Pneumonitis and Fibrosis]])
  • Typically develops within 6 mo of completing radiation therapy
• Diagnosis: exudate with many pleural mesothelial cells
• Clinical: usually small pleural effusion

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Treatment

• Supportive Therapy: resolves gradually over months without treatment

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References

• Pleural effusions following supervoltage radiation for breast carcinoma Radiology 1959; 72: 699-709