Haemothorax

A collection of blood in the pleural cavity (see pleura). Haemothorax is most commonly caused by chest injury, but it may arise spontaneously in people with defects of blood coagulation or as a result of cancer. Symptoms include pain in the affected side of the chest and upper abdomen, and breathlessness. If extensive, there may be partial lung collapse. Blood in the pleural cavity is withdrawn through a needle.