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[|Human|] Hi I just want to ask regarding my mom X-ray it says here homogeneous opacity occupying the left hemithorax obliterating the left cardiac border. Costophrenic sulcus and diaphragm, trachea is midline. Other chest structures is not unusual. Impression massive pleural effusion, left.Pls help me what is this means. Thank you so much.
[|AI|]  Thanks for your question on Chat Doctor. I can understand your situation and problem. X-ray reporting of your mother is suggestive of massive pleural effusion. Pleural effusion is collection of fluid between two layers of pleura. Normally 15-20ml of fluid is present to avoid friction, and it also helps in lung expansion. But when these fluid accumulation is more, it starts compressing lung (same side). So we need to remove the fluid so that lung expands and at the same time we need to search for the cause of pleural effusion and start appropriate treatment, so that further fluid accumulation can be prevented. So consult pulmonologist and get done pleural fluid tapping (aspiration) and send for1. Routine microscopic examination2. Protein and sugar3. Culture and sensitivity4. Cytology. Following are the possible causes for massive effusion. 1. Tuberculosis2. Pneumonia3. Malignancies etc. So better to consult pulmonologist and discuss all these.