Thoracentesis uses chest cavity fluid to detect lung cancer
If there is fluid in the chest cavity, the doctor can remove a sample by inserting a thin needle into the chest between the ribs. The fluid is then examined in the laboratory for presence of cancer cells. Removing a large amount of fluid with thoracentesis also can improve breathing. Thoracentesis can be important for both staging and diagnosis of lung cancer.

Chest cavity fluid can detect lung cancer