Benign Localized Fibrous Tumor of the Pleura: Report of three cases and a review of the literature

uncommon soft tissue tumor initially reported in the pleura but recently described in other sites in the body (1). Previously these tumors were mostly classified as localized mesotheliomas of the pleura, either benign or malignant (2). The morphological distinction between benign and malignant LFT is often difficult. An immunohistochemical study was performed in pleural and extrapleural sites (1,2). There was no clear relationship to asbestos exposure. This neoplasm originates from pluripotential mesenchymal cells located in the subserosal connective tissue (3). On average it measures 5 to 6 cm in diameter (4). Over 600 cases of LFT of the pleura have been reported worldwide (5).