[Primary malignant tumors of the pleura]

This study represents the examination of 14 primary, malignant pleural tumours--10 mesotheliomas and 4 sarcomas--in respect of the radiological appearance and clinical signs and symptoms. The presentation was widely different in the mesothelioma patients: 3 presented the radiological image of a mantle-like apicocaudal callosity. In 3 patients and extrapulmonary space-occupying growth was seen; one case presented with an interlobar effusion. Pleural effusion was additionally present in 6 cases. Of the 4 sarcoma patients, 3 presented with an intrapulmonary space-occupying growth and one only with an extrapulmonary lesion. Pleural effusion was definitely seen in 2 patients with pleural sarcoma. Therapy-resistant refractory thoracic pain was the principal clinical sign. Other symptoms were not so frequent, such as loss of body weight, tiredness, dyspnoea, hemoptysis and cough.