Ordinary symptom for a serious pathology - giant solitary fibrous tumor of the pleura

Rom J Morphol Embryol. 2014;55(3 Suppl):1185-9.

Abstract

The solitary fibrous tumor of the pleura (SFTP) is a rare primary tumor arising from mesenchymal cells in the areolar tissue subjacent to the mesothelial-lined pleura. From an epidemiological standpoint, solitary fibrous tumors of the pleura account for less than 5% of primary pleural tumors, and commonly affect patients in the sixth and seventh decades. We presented the case of a 38-year-old woman, without any significant pathological history, who presented at the emergency room for unspecific respiratory symptoms. Imagistic investigations showed a giant opacity in the upper half part of the left hemithorax. The patient underwent surgery and en bloc resection of the tumor (30/25 cm) in oncological limits was performed. Definite diagnosis - solitary fibrous tumor of the pleura - was obtained through histological examination and immunohistochemistry. Even if SFTP are benign tumors, a long follow-up period is mandatory as even patients with complete resection are at risk of recurrence several years after surgery.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antigens, CD34 / metabolism
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Ki-67 Antigen / metabolism
  • Radiography, Thoracic
  • Solitary Fibrous Tumor, Pleural / diagnostic imaging
  • Solitary Fibrous Tumor, Pleural / pathology*
  • Solitary Fibrous Tumor, Pleural / surgery
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Substances

  • Antigens, CD34
  • Ki-67 Antigen