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Malignant pleural effusion in NSCLC — SCE Respiratory MCQ

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HardLung CancerMalignant pleural effusion in NSCLCSCE Respiratory

A 63-year-old woman with known lung adenocarcinoma develops a unilateral malignant pleural effusion confirmed on cytology. PET-CT shows no extrathoracic metastases. What is the most appropriate stage interpretation?

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Correct answer: E — Metastatic intrathoracic disease classified as M1a

A malignant pleural effusion in NSCLC is classified as M1a metastatic disease even without extrathoracic spread. It is not early-stage disease and cannot be ignored for staging. T category describes primary tumour extent, while limited-stage terminology applies to selected small-cell lung cancer.

Reference: NICE NG122; TNM 8 lung cancer staging