Localized Fibrous Tumors of the Pleura: Diagnosis, Clinical and Surgical Management

Background: Localized fibrous tumours of the pleura are very rare. The aim of this case series study is to define clinical feature and determine the optimal treatment and surgical outcome of these tumours. Materials and Methods: The records of 6 consecutive patients with localized fibrous tumours of the pleura, who were operated between 1994 and 2002, were retrospectively reviewed. Diagnostic procedure, clinical courses, surgical management and outcomes of these patients were studied. Results: 6 patients were enrolled in the study (4 men, 2 women, mean age 41 yrs). All patients were symptomatic at the time. Chest pain, dyspnea and cough were the most common symptoms; CXR and CAT- scan were performed for all patients. Resection was performed through postero-lateral thoracotomy in all patients. Five cases had benign and one had malignant tumour. Local recurrence occurred in 1 patient. One case died because of malignant tumour during a 5-year follow-up. Conclusion: Although localized fibrous tumors of the pleura are histologically considered as benign tumors, because of the risk of recurrence and malignant transformation, complete resection is indicated and long-term follow-up is recommended in all patients.