LUNG
COLLAPSE AND LINING DISORDERS
Pneumothorax is a condition characterized by collapse of the lung due to rupture
of the membrane covering the lung and subsequent escape of air into the space between the lung and the chest wall. It may result from a penetrating injury to the lung or as a
complication of other diseases. A form of lung
collapse called atelectasis is due to occlusion of an airway by a benign or malignant tumor, by a foreign body such as a coin or peanut, or by the formation of plugs of thick mucus. It is usually reversible with removal of the obstruction.
Pleural effusion, or fluid surrounding the lung, is the accumulation of fluid in the space between the lung and the chest wall (pleural space). It can result as a complication of heart failure, pneumonia, lung cancer, tuberculosis, and many other conditions.