Computed tomography in the study of primary pleural tumours
Caron-Poitreau, C.; Delumeau, J.; Dabouis, G.; Petitier, H.; Rieux, D.
Annales de Radiologie 24(4): 247-253
1981
ISSN/ISBN: 0003-4185 PMID: 7247294 Document Number: 171192
A series of 17 cases of mesothelioma confirmed histologically are reported to show that the application of computed tomography (CT) with a short exposure time (6 s) to primary pleural tumors permits an assessment of the real value of this method. The technique does not permit differentiation by scanner between a primary pleural tumor and a secondary pleural tumor. The clinical context is essential in differential diagnosis. The scanner permits easy determination of the pleural tumor component within the pleural effusion. Whereas the films do not permit evaluation of the importance of the pleural lesion itself, the scanner can measure the volume of the tumor in its budding form or in its infiltrating form. The scanner permitted demonstration in 13 cases out of 17, of neoplastic lesions involving the whole of the pleura and in particular, the mediastinal pleura. This demonstration in vivo makes it possible to decide whether surgery is appropriate. The scanner provides no evidence essential in diagnosis but it may be very useful in determining the lesions which complicate the cancer process and eventually in guiding the needle biopsy towards the budding part of the tumor.