Most malignant pleural effusions are detected and controlled by thoracentesis. Thoracentesis is also performed as a diagnostic measure. In these cases, only small amounts of material need to be withdrawn. Symptoms of a pleural effusion include breathing difficulty, chest pain, fever, weight loss, cough, and edema.
http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/Thoracentesis
Helen Hollingsworth, MD. Thoracentesis is a procedure used to obtain a sample of fluid from the space around the lungs, called the pleural space. This fluid is called pleural fluid and normally exists only as a thin layer in the area between the lungs and chest wall.
https://www.uptodate.com/contents/thoracentesis-beyond-the-basics
insertion of a hollow needle or similar instrument into the pleural cavity of the chest in order to drain pleural fluid. Origin of thoracentesis. 1855-1860.
http://www.dictionary.com/browse/thoracentesis
THORACENTESIS OVERVIEW. Thoracentesis is a procedure used to obtain a sample of fluid from the space around the lungs, called the pleural space. This fluid is called pleural fluid and normally exists only as a thin layer in the area between the lungs and chest wall.
https://www.uptodate.com/contents/thoracentesis-beyond-the-basics
What is thoracentesis? Thoracentesis is a procedure to remove fluid or air from around the lungs. A needle is put through the chest wall into the pleural space. The pleural space is the thin gap between the pleura. The pleura are a double layer of membranes that surrounds the lungs. Inside the space is a small amount of fluid.
http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/test_procedures/pulmonary/thoracentesis_92,P07761
If you were to open up the chest cavity, you would see there is a space in between the chest wall and the lungs. This space is called the pleural space. Sometimes, fluids can settle into the pleural space, and when this happens, it needs to be removed.
http://study.com/academy/lesson/what-is-thoracentesis-definition-procedure-complications.html
The illustration shows a person having thoracentesis. The person sits upright and leans on a table. Excess fluid from the pleural space is drained into a bag. Instruments for thoracocentesis and needle biopsy of the pleura. Thoracentesis /ˌθɔːrəsᵻnˈtiːsᵻs/, (from Greek, thorax + centesis, puncture) also known as thoracocentesis or pleural tap, is an invasive procedure to remove fluid or air from the pleural space for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thoracentesis
Also known as pleural fluid analysis, thoracentesis is a procedure that removes fluid or air from the chest through a needle or tube. The lungs are lined on the outside with two thin layers of tissue called pleura. The space between these two layers is called the pleural space. Normally, there is only a small amount of lubricating fluid in this space. Liquid and/or air accumulates in this space between the lungs and the ribs from many conditions. The liquid is called a pleural effusion; the air is called a pneumothorax.
http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/Thoracentesis
Normal chest cavities have a small amount of fluid present in the pleural space, but the volume is typically less than 20 milliliters. Any amount more than this is abnormal and may require further testing for the cause as well as removal. One way of removing the fluids is through a process called thoracentesis. The procedure is done using an ultrasound to get the lay of the land and a needle, which is inserted through the chest wall and used to suck up this excess fluid.
http://study.com/academy/lesson/what-is-thoracentesis-definition-procedure-complications.html
insertion of a hollow needle or similar instrument into the pleural cavity of the chest in order to drain pleural fluid. thoracentesis. 1. n. Paracentesis of the pleural cavity.
http://www.dictionary.com/browse/thoracentesis
what is a thoracentesis
Thoracentesis is a procedure to remove fluid or air from around the lungs.