Approved by the Cancer.Net Editorial Board, 09/2014. A pleural effusion is a buildup of extra fluid in the pleural space, which is the space between the lungs and the chest wall. About half of people with cancer develop a pleural effusion. Cancer growing in the pleural space causes a malignant pleural effusion. More than 75% of people with a malignant pleural effusion have lymphoma or cancers of the breast, lung, or ovary. This condition is considered a sign of metastatic cancer, or cancer that has spread to other areas of the body.
Although the majority of patients do not experience these complications, you should discuss each. of them with your plastic surgeon to make sure you understand all possible consequences of placing a. tissue expander. Tissue Expander / Implants- Tissue expanders and implants, similar to other medical devices, can fail.
You will have a tissue expander placed during your breast reconstruction surgery. A tissue expander is an empty breast implant that will be filled with normal saline over 6 to 8 weeks. This process slowly stretches your skin and pectoralis muscle (large muscle in your chest).rain removal. During this appointment, your plastic surgeon and nurse will examine your breast incision to make sure it is healing well. If you went home with a drain(s), your doctor or nurse will remove it if the amount of drainage is less than 30 mL (1 fluid ounce) in 24 hours, per drain.