Case report highlights diagnosis of massive empyema in a patient with squamous cell carcinoma, emphasizing early management.
Abstract Background Squamous cell carcinoma of the oesophagus is a known cause of malignant pleural effusion, but its association with massive empyema is rare. This case report highlights the unusual presentation of squamous cell carcinoma of the oesophagus leading to massive empyema, emphasizing the importance of early recognition and management. Case Presentation: A 62-year-old male with a long-standing history of oesophageal carcinoma presented with progressive dyspnoea and chest pain. Radiological evaluation revealed a massive left-sided empyema. Empyema fluid analysis suggested an exudative effusion. Further evaluation, including endoscopy, confirmed a diagnosis of high-grade squamous cell carcinoma of the oesophagus. Despite initial management, the patient was referred for advanced oncological care. Conclusion This case underscores the significance of recognizing malignant empyema in patients with underlying malignancies. Comprehensive evaluation and timely intervention are crucial for optimizing patient outcomes.
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Toshniwal et al. (2025) studied this question.
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