Pleuropulmonary blastoma: four cases

Pleuropulmonary blastoma (PPB) is a rare malignant neoplasm affecting children. A retrospective review was carried out of patients diagnosed as having PPB at one institute over a period of 16 years. The presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and family history were studied. PPB usually presents with symptoms and signs of respiratory tract infection, and the diagnosis may be delayed. There are no distinguishing clinical features or imaging studies. The diagnosis is made on histologic examination of tumour material and is sometimes difficult to differentiate from benign cystic lung lesions. The treatment is primarily complete excision of the tumour, followed in some cases by intense chemotherapy. PPB is a strong predictor of the presence of tumours in close relatives. Four patients treated at our institute are discussed along with a review of the literature.