Radiologic manifestation of primary pleural tumors

• Published in: Acta chirurgica Iugoslavica Vol. 56; no. 4; pp. 63 - 68
• Main Authors: Stević, R, Jovanović, D, Mandarić, M, Pesut, D, Masulović, D, Stosić-Opinćal, T, Adzić, T, Vasić, N
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Serbian; English
• Published: Serbia 2009
• Subjects: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Female; Humans; Male; Mesothelioma - diagnostic imaging; Middle Aged; Pleural Neoplasms - diagnostic imaging; Tomography, X-Ray Computed
• ISSN: 0354-950X; 2406-0887
• DOI: 10.2298/ACI0904063S

To show the radiological manifestations of primary pleural tumors. we carried out a retrospective analysis of radiological findings in 62 patients with primary malignant tumor of pleura. Study included 39 male and 23 female patients. Malignant tumors were present in 92.7% of the patients and benign ones in 7.2%. The most common malignant tumor was mesothelioma (85.4%), and solitary fibrous tumor prevailed among benign tumors (9.7%). Diffuse malignant mesothelioma manifested on computed tomography (CT) as a pleural thickening and effusion in 67.4% of the patients, tumors and effusion in 11.7%, and only as an effusion in 9.8% cases. Thickening of the pleura appeared diffuse in 54% of patients and most often it had nodular pattern. Both localized malignant and all benign tumors presented as tumor-like changes with the signs of necrosis in 50%. The imaging methods have a key role in the diagnosis of pleural tumors. CT shows different morphologic features of pleural lesions that have been established as a useful tool for differentiating malignant from benign disease. However, magnetic resonance is preferred imaging method for assessing the extent and resectability of pleural tumors.