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Updated: Jun 21, 2026
03:22
Local Anesthetic Thoracoscopy for Undiagnosed Pleural Effusion
Published on: November 10, 2023
CT appearances of pleural tumours.
H M Salahudeen1, E T D Hoey, R J Robertson
1Department of Radiology, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, UK. hmdsal@gmail.com
Clinical Radiology
|August 12, 2009
Summary
Computed tomography (CT) effectively characterizes pleural masses, detailing location, composition, and extent. This imaging technique aids in differentiating benign from malignant pleural tumors, including mesothelioma and metastatic adenocarcinoma.
Area of Science:
- Radiology and Imaging Science
- Thoracic Oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- Pleural masses require accurate characterization for diagnosis and treatment planning.
- Metastatic adenocarcinoma is the most frequent cause of malignant pleural disease.
- Malignant mesothelioma is the most common primary pleural tumor.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the computed tomography (CT) imaging features of various pleural tumors.
- To highlight CT characteristics that help differentiate benign from malignant pleural processes.
- To provide a pictorial guide to the salient CT appearances of pleural neoplasms.
Main Methods:
- Review of computed tomography (CT) scans of patients with pleural masses.
- Correlation of imaging findings with histopathological diagnoses.
- Emphasis on pictorial representation of key CT features for differential diagnosis.
Main Results:
- Computed tomography (CT) is crucial for assessing pleural mass location, composition, and extent.
- CT provides vital information on the invasion of adjacent thoracic structures.
- Specific CT features are identified that assist in distinguishing benign from malignant pleural lesions.
Conclusions:
- Computed tomography (CT) is the preferred imaging modality for evaluating pleural masses.
- Understanding CT appearances is essential for diagnosing primary and secondary pleural tumors.
- This review illustrates key CT findings for a spectrum of pleural tumors.
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