DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Unilateral malignant pleural effusion requiring sclerosis (as judged by the attending surgeon) At least 3 months since treatment of contralateral effusion No chylous effusion

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: 18 and over Performance status: ECOG 0-2 Life expectancy: More than 2 months Hematopoietic: Not specified Hepatic: Not specified Renal: Not specified Other: Able to undergo thoracoscopy under general or local anesthesia (as determined by the attending surgeon) Not pregnant Tests and observations must be completed within 1 week prior to randomization (chest x-ray within 1 week prior to procedure)

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: No prior intrapleural therapy No systemic therapy within 2 weeks prior to randomization or 2 weeks post pleurodesis Biologic therapy: Not specified Chemotherapy: No new systemic chemotherapy for 2 weeks prior to and at least 2 weeks after pleurodesis Endocrine therapy: No new hormonal therapy for 2 weeks prior to and at least 2 weeks after pleurodesis No concurrent steroids used as antiemetics Radiotherapy: Prior radiotherapy allowed No radiotherapy to entire hemithorax Palliative irradiation of symptomatic bone lesions allowed on the affected side if field does not include a significant portion of pleura Surgery: See Disease Characteristics