Localized Fibrous Tumors of the Pleura

Localized fibrous tumor of the pleura (LFTP) is uncommon, with occasional malignant features. Six patients referred to a comprehensive cancer center were diagnosed preoperatively by computed tomography–guided biopsy. CD34 immunoreactivity supports the pathologic diagnosis of LFTP. Malignancy was confirmed in 3 of these cases. While the natural history of pleural LFTP is not well known, favorable prognostic features are pedicled growth and complete surgical resection. Tumors with necrotic or hemorrhagic areas, greater than 4 mitoses per 10 high-power fields, and invasion of adjacent structures have poor prognoses. Surgical resection with long-term clinical follow-up is the optimal therapeutic approach.