Pleural aspiration (drainage of fluid from the pleura)

The lungs are covered by a lining (membrane) called the pleura. The pleura is made up of 2 layers:

• the inner layer covers the lungs
• the outer layer lines the ribcage and a sheet of muscle called the diaphragm – the diaphragm separates the chest from the tummy.

The space between the 2 layers is called the pleural cavity. The pleural cavity has a small amount of fluid in it. This fluid acts as a lubricant. This allows the lungs to move in and out smoothly so you can breathe easily.

Below is a sample of the sources used in our mesothelioma cancer information. If you would like more information about the sources we use, please contact us at informationproductionteam@macmillan.org.uk

Kusamura S, Kepenekian V, Villeneuve L, Lurvink RJ, Govaerts K, De Hingh IHJT, Moran BJ, Van der Speeten K, Deraco M, Glehen O; PSOGI. Peritoneal mesothelioma: PSOGI/EURACAN clinical practice guidelines for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up. Eur J Surg Oncol. 2021 Vol, 47(1) pp6-59. [accessed April 2024].

Popat, S., Baas P., Faivre-Finn, C., Girard, N., Nicholson, A., Nowak, A., Opitz, I., Scherpereel, A, and Reck, M. 2021. ESMO Pleural mesothelioma guidelines. Malignant pleural mesothelioma: ESMO Clinical Practice Guidelines for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up. Available from: https://www.annalsofoncology.org/action/showPdf?pii=S0923-7534%2821%2904820-1 [accessed April 2024].