What is the term for fluid accumulation in the pleural cavity?

The term for fluid accumulation in the pleural cavity is hydrothorax. This condition occurs when excess fluid collects between the layers of tissue lining the lungs and the chest cavity, which can result from various underlying issues such as heart failure, infections, or malignancies.

Hydrothorax specifically refers to pleural effusion due to serous fluid, distinguishing it from other conditions. For example, hydropericardium would pertain to fluid accumulation in the pericardial sac around the heart, while hyperemia refers to increased blood flow to a particular area, often due to inflammation or infection. A thrombus, on the other hand, is a blood clot that forms within a blood vessel. Understanding these terms and their specific definitions is crucial in clinical settings to accurately diagnose and treat patients.