Primary pleural neoplasia: entities other than diffuse malignant mesothelioma.

CONTEXT: Overwhelmingly, the most common neoplasm involving the pleura is metastatic carcinoma. In contrast, diffuse malignant mesothelioma occurs relatively rarely; however, it is nonetheless the most common neoplasm primary to the pleura. Metastatic carcinoma and diffuse malignant mesothelioma each have their own prognostic and therapeutic characteristics. Other primary pleural neoplasms occur uncommonly or rarely, with their own prognostic and therapeutic characteristics.

OBJECTIVE: To review primary pleural neoplasms other than diffuse malignant mesothelioma, to better ensure correct diagnosis and optimal assessment of prognosis and treatment.

DATA SOURCES: Literature review and primary material from the authors' institutions.

CONCLUSIONS: A nonexhaustive group of uncommon to rare benign and malignant primary pleural neoplasms--other than diffuse malignant mesothelioma--are presented, of which one must be aware in order to maintain an appropriate index of suspicion to include them in the differential diagnosis of a pleural tumor.