Clinical aspects and course of primary pleural tumors
Romanychev, I.A.
Klinicheskaia Meditsina 59(5): 88-92
1981
ISSN/ISBN: 0023-2149 PMID: 7265856 Document Number: 169045
It has been established during observations of 75 patients with primary tumors of the pleura that the degree of clinical symptoms and disease course were determined by the form and character of tumor growth. The diagnosis of tumor of the pleura was suspected or established in 59 patients. Benign tumors were distinguished by the subclinical symptoms, and diffuse mesotheliomas by the most manifested symptoms. Benign tumors took a more protracted course; circumscribed malignant and diffuse mesotheliomas last .apprx. 1-2 yr in most cases. Early diagnosis required physicians' oncological alertness which helps in reducing the time of examination. Diagnosis is established from the clinical and X-ray findings with consideration of the type of course, results of cytomorphological study of the aspirate from the pleural cavity and tumor, thoracoscopy, mediastinotomy and thoracotomy.