Solitary fibrous tumor of the pleura

The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical behavior of solitary fibrous tumors of the pleura and consider the optimal surgical approach for these rare tumors.

We retrospectively reviewed the records of nine patients who underwent thoracotomy for tumor resection in our clinic between 1997 and 2006.

Nine patients were operated in this period and their median age was 46 years. None of them had been exposed to asbestos. Symptoms were present in 8 patients. All patients underwent thoracotomy. The tumor originated from the visceral pleura in 7 patients and was parietal in 2. All tumors were totally excised. The median diameter of the tumors was 9 cm (range 4-24 cm). Pathological investigation reported the tumors to be a benign solitary fibrous tumor of the pleura in all 9 patients. Resection was complete in all patients. There was no postoperative mortality and no major complications. No recurrence was observed during a median follow-up of 74 months.

Solitary fibrous tumors of the pleura are rare neoplasms and can have giant diameters. Complete surgical resection is the optimal treatment. The risk of malignant transformation of such large masses should be borne in mind.