The Regional University Hospital of Málaga, part of the Andalusian Health Service, has received a Research Grant from the Official College of Physicians of Málaga. The aim is to develop a project that improves the early diagnosis of malignant pleural effusion through thoracic ultrasound.
Project Objective
The initiative will be carried out by the Interventional Pulmonology Unit and the Medical Oncology Service of the centre. The goal is to validate an ultrasound scale based on eight parameters to estimate, in advance, the likelihood that a pleural effusion has a malignant origin.
This approach aims to provide an objective and easily applicable tool in clinical practice, which will expedite the diagnostic process and facilitate more accurate decisions in patient treatment.
Importance of Accurate Diagnosis
Pleural effusion is one of the most common pathologies in the field of pulmonology and a frequent cause of hospital admissions. It is estimated that between 20 and 25 percent of these effusions have a malignant origin. Therefore, it is essential to differentiate them early from benign ones, as this guides treatment and avoids unnecessary invasive procedures.
Although thoracic ultrasound can help identify signs suggesting malignancy, there is currently no validated scale that compiles these signs objectively. The project aims to fill this gap through the validation of the PMUS-8 model, which will improve the initial assessment of patients with malignant pleural effusion.
The granting of this scholarship represents a step towards more accurate diagnosis, which will allow for the identification of patients at higher risk of oncological disease and optimize the use of healthcare resources. Additionally, it will strengthen thoracic ultrasound as a reference tool in the assessment of pleural pathologies.
Antonio Dorado, head of the Pulmonology service, emphasized that the scholarship recognizes the joint work of professionals in diagnosing patients with suspected cancer. He also highlighted the importance of having an accessible and easily applicable tool that improves the diagnostic process and facilitates coordination between Pulmonology, Oncology, and other involved specialties.
The Interventional Pulmonology Unit of the Regional University Hospital of Málaga is supported by the Spanish Society of Pulmonology and Thoracic Surgery (SEPAR) as a Specialized Unit with Excellence Criteria in this specialty.
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