Pulmonary pseudotumours and asbestos

Ten patients are described in whom a localized reaction in the visceral pleura developed comparatively rapidly, involving parts of the underlying lung parenchyma, forming an atelectatic pseudotumour. The lesions were mistaken for pulmonary malignancy, leading to thoracotomy in 5 patients. It is suggested that these lesions can occur many years after exposure to asbestos and that they are sequelae of benign pleurisy. Computer tomography is of great value in these cases and may obviate thoracotomy.