Solitary fibrous tumor of the pleura.

Solitary fibrous tumor of the pleura is a rare clinical entity. Approximately 600 such cases have been reported in the literature. The purpose of this study was to review the surgical outcome of this disease. This is a retrospective review of seven cases of solitary fibrous tumor of the pleura. There were five women and two men. Their ages ranged from 24 to 65 years. Symptoms included cough, shortness of breath, and chest pain. Diagnostic studies included chest X-ray, computed tomography (CT) scan, bronchoscopy, and CT-guided needle biopsy. All the tumors were pedunculated. The sizes ranged from 5.0 to 11.0 cm. All were resected by thoracotomy. The largest of these tumors weighed 68 g. All patients remain disease free. Follow-up ranged from 2 to 20 years. This is a rare disease. Complete resection offers the best chance for long-term care.