"Should I be worried about pleural effusion after lung cancer surgery?"

Hey Francis! Keep us posted on what they decide to do about the pleural effusion finding. Is your oncologist concerned? Or is the SUV of 3.27 considered low for cancer? Praying it is just an infectious process of some sort. 💛Suzanne (Community Moderator)

Have tumor markers been done, I hope? Alk, EGFR, etc, etc. They really drive therapy now. Also maybe check out the videos on YouTube on Dr Bryant Lim and the class he taught at Stanford after his diagnosis of NSCLC. I do have a background in Healthcare so maybe I watch them differently, but he's had speakers review various treatments (overview). This app itself is great. When my cancer recurred after 2.5-3 years, I sent them all my data and got a very personalized review of my treatments---like a second opinion.

Wow thank you for the responses really helpful information , i am relatively new to this and am learning as i go …

And no they have not done tumor markers ? They removed a small tumor in march and was told they got everything , but i guess this is the journey , thank you

And an suv of 3.27 is concidered moderate i am told ?

Slides from biopsy or orginal tumor likely still available. My tumor marker studies were done on the biopsy; not repeated on tumor at surgery since only 5-6 weeks apart. Pathologists can go back and do the marker studies on the slides. Or on the cells if they tap the pleural effusion. This is quite a learning journey.

Thank you i will request a marker study 💚

thoracentesis failed due to markably complex plura , my oncologist is away , i am getting more concerned

That's hard. When is your oncologist back? Is there a covering oncologist you can talk to? Hang in there.

I am told my message was sent to oncall oncologist on Thursday but i have heard nothing hopefully tomorrow

Waiting for test results after cancer surgery can feel overwhelming, especially when facing unexpected findings. Pleural effusions can occur for various reasons following lung surgery, and the thoracentesis results will provide important information for the medical team to determine the best next steps. Many community members have shared similar experiences of anxiety while waiting for results, and connecting with others who understand this journey can provide valuable support during this uncertain time.