Pleural Tumours (pathology)

Question 1

How common are benign pleural tumours?

Answer 1

Benign = rare

Question 2

What are malignant pleural effusions?

Answer 2

tumour metastasis from lung, breast, GI—> stud the pleural surface/block lymphatics—> prevent drainage of pleural fluid/accumulation

Question 3

What is a primary pleural tumour malignancy?

Answer 3

Mesothelioma

-Primary malignancy: mesothelioma
Inhaled asbestos fibres reach parietal pleura—> inflammation—> tumour formation —> aggressive

Latency period-> 20-40 y.= late diagnosis

Question 4

What are the risk factors for pleural tumours?

Answer 4

• Male
• Plumbers
• Electricians
• Shipbuilders
• Powerplant operators

Question 5

What are the symptoms of pleural tumours?

Answer 5

• SOB
• Chest pain
• Weight loss
• Clubbing
• Signs of pleural effusion
• Lymphadenopathy (neck)

Question 6

Investigations of pleural tumours

Answer 6

CT thorax
Biopsy

Evidence of:

• thickening of pleura
• pleural nodules/masses
• pleural plaques
• pleural effusion
• soft tissue infiltration

Question 7

What is the prognosis of pleural tumours?

Answer 7

Poor survival rate

• treat the effusion —> pleurodesis = spray lining of pleura with sterile talcum= prevent fluid re-accumulation
• decortication—> peel off layer of thickened pleura
  palliation