Benign collagenous nodule of the pleura associated with pleural plaques.

We describe the radiographic, gross morphologic and microscopic appearance of a pleural collagenous nodule presenting as a "solitary nodule." We believe that this lesion is within the spectrum of "pleural plaques," an associated condition present in our patient who had a history of potential asbestos exposure. Awareness of this probably rare variant of a common abnormality may obviate the need for a diagnostic thoracotomy in certain circumstances.