Is Pleural Effusion Curable?

A malignant pleural effusion is treatable. But it can be a serious and potentially life-threatening condition.

Can pleural effusion be cured?

A minor pleural effusion often goes away on its own without treatment. In other cases, doctors may need to treat the condition that is causing the pleural effusion. For example, you may get antibiotics to treat pneumonia. Or you could get other medicines to treat heart failure.

How long can you live with pleural effusion?

Patients with Malignant Pleural Effusions (MPE) have life expectancies ranging from 3 to 12 months, depending on the type and stage of their primary malignancy.