shalla
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When I was hospitalized with a pulmonary embolism, I also had pleural (right side) and pericardial effusions, a mass in my right lung (CT), and a swollen supraclavicular right lymph node was found to have metastasized NSCLC. The effusions were not drained so no cells from the fluid were examined. I am wondering if the effusions could be the result of the Trousseau's syndrome rather than the cancer. I had disseminated thrombi and fluid backed up in the tissues all over (20 pounds worth).
I am on Lovenox and Tarceva (for 6 weeks) but have not yet had imaging to see if the Tarceva has been effective. I have no rash yet feel the same as I did prior to getting sick.
Thank you MD's for all the time and thought you give to our questions!
Shalla
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Reply # - February 1, 2014, 10:01 PM
Reply To: pleural and pericardial effusions with Trousseau's
I suppose it's possible, but I strongly suspect that the underlying cancer itself is a major contributing factor in the Trouseau's syndrome (multifocal thrombophlebitis, i.e., predisposition to clotting) and also the direct cause of the effusions. Because you're already being treated for advanced NSCLC, clarifying the presence of cancer as the cause of one or more effusions wouldn't change your stage or prognosis.
Good luck.
-Dr. West