Pleurodesis with talc or bleomycin in malignant pleural effusion is used to achieve what?

• A. To rapidly drain the effusion
• B. To prevent recurrence by obliterating the pleural space
• C. To treat infection
• D. To relieve cancer symptoms permanently

Answer: (B)

Pleurodesis aims to prevent recurrence of malignant pleural effusion by obliterating the pleural space. Instilling talc or bleomycin causes an inflammatory reaction that leads to fibrosis, causing the visceral and parietal pleura to adhere together. Once the space is fused, fluid cannot reaccumulate, which reduces recurrent dyspnea and the need for ongoing drainage. It’s not about rapid drainage, infection treatment, or curing cancer; it’s about long-term control of the effusion by removing the space where fluid can collect.