Pleural Tumors

Benign tumours are rare in the pleural cavity, with solitary fibrous tumour of the pleura the most frequent of these rarities. Malignant pleural tumours are common and can arise from the pleura (most commonly mesothelioma) or as metastases from extrapleural malignancies (especially lung and breast cancer). They typically present with breathlessness, chest pain, and a pleural effusion. Diagnosis requires histocytological confirmation of malignant cells from pleural fluid and/or pleural biopsies. Most cases are due to asbestos exposure, characteristically after a latent period of more than 20 years, with risk related to the duration and intensity of asbestos exposure and the fibre type (worst with needle-like amphiboles). Most tumours that have spread to the pleura are incurable.