[Imaging diagnosis of localized pleural mesothelioma]

Nineteen cases of localized pleural mesothelioma (benign 9, malignant 8, unclassified 2) proved by surgery and pathology were analyzed. Imaging manifestations included large mass, elliptic or spindle in shape, often lobulated and well delineated, close to pleural surface. There were calcifications or cystic changes within the mass in some cases. Of the 9 benign cases, there were pedicles of 1-8 cm in length attached to the pleural surface in 5 cases. None of the benign mesotheliomas had chest wall invasion or rib destruction. Of the 8 malignant mesothelioma 2 were peduncalated, 5 had invaded chest wall with underlying rib destruction in 4 CT has obvious advantages for the evaluation of the location and extenst of mesothelioma. Apart from invasion of the underlying rib or soft tissue. Differentiation of benign from malignant localized mesothelioma can not be made by imaging diagnosis. As malignant localized mesothelioma often recurrs after surgery, closely following-up is recommended.