Mum was diagnosed with ovarian cancer early July 2021and waiting for total hysterectomy with biopsy for staging. However, Mum had pleural effusions twice - the first one end of June 2021 was minimal to moderate and only required a pigtail drain. This week, the pleural effusion recurred and had to re-insert a bigger drain as the right lung is almost filled with fluid. Mum has already lost a lot of weight since diagnosis in early July 2021. No chemo, nor debulking surgery yet. 

Seeking for info / advice from people who may have had similar experience. I am worried if the recurrence of  the pleural effusion is already an indication that the ovarian cancer is already advanced/metastatic (Stage4a)? Mum's cancer has not been staged / graded yet because have not had the surgery  to do the biopsy, but also worried for Mum to undergo a majoy surgery (total hysterectomy) with  the biopsy if the recurrent pleural effusion is already a clear clinical indication that it is a metastatic one? Will the risks outweigh the benefits?

Will be grateful for your thoughts.