The infographic from the CHEST Thoracic Oncology and Chest Procedures Network illustrates the stepwise approach to the management of recurrent malignant pleural effusion (MPE) and nonexpandable lung. In symptomatic recurrent MPE, the options of drainage depend on whether the lungs expand post drainage. With lung expansion, the options include chest tube plus pleurodesis, tunneled pleural catheter (TPC), and thoracoscopy. If lung expansion fails to occur post drainage, then consider TPC as a suitable option for symptomatic relief.

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