Localized fibrous tumors of the pleura: clinical and surgical evaluation.
BACKGROUND
Localized fibrous tumors of the pleura, which are considered to originate from submesothelial connective tissue, are rare. The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical features of these tumors and to determine the optimal treatment and follow-up.


METHODS
The records of 10 consecutive patients with localized fibrous tumors of the pleura operated on at the Ataturk Center for Chest Diseases and Thoracic Surgery between 1995 and 2001 were retrospectively reviewed. Diagnostic procedures, clinical courses, and outcomes of these patients were studied. Total excision through a thoracotomy was performed in all of the patients. Pneumonectomy was required in 1 patient because of a giant intraparenchymal localized fibrous tumor of the pleura. Additional partial chest wall resections were done in 2 patients.


RESULTS
The size of excised tumors ranged from 10 x 8 x 4 cm to 30 x 25 x 20 cm. Malignant transformation was seen in 1 patient 22 months after resection of a benign tumor. Four cases were pathologically considered to be malignant. All patients except 1 are alive (follow-up 16 to 57 months after resection).


CONCLUSIONS
Although localized fibrous tumors of the pleura are considered histologically benign tumors, because of the risk of recurrence and malignant transformation, complete surgical resection is indicated and long-term follow-up is recommended in all patients.
Altinok
Tamer
T
Atatürk Center for Chest Disease and Thoracic Surgery, Department of Thoracic Surgery, Keçiören-Ankara, Turkey. taltinoks@yahoo.com
Topçu
Salih
S
Tastepe
A Irfan
AI
Yazici
Ulkü
U
Cetin
Güven
G
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018218:Neoplasms, Fibrous Tissue / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery*; D010997:Pleural Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery*; D012189:Retrospective Studies