Neoplasms Metastatic to the Pleura

Synonyms

Malignant pleural effusion; Pleural metastasis; Pseudomesotheliomatous adenocarcinoma; Secondary malignant neoplasm of pleura

Definition

Malignant tumors of the pleura can be primary or metastatic. Neoplasms metastatic to the pleura are malignant neoplasms arising in other organs that secondarily involve the pleura either by lymphatic and/or hematogenous spread or by direct extension from mediastinum or lung. Metastatic tumors frequently result in malignant pleural effusions. Manifestations of metastatic neoplasia to the pleura generally include multiple tumor nodules, or in some instances, diffuse involvement mimicking primary pleural neoplasia (e.g., pseudomesotheliomatous adenocarcinoma).

Many different tumor types can be metastatic to the pleura. This includes frequently encountered malignant neoplasms that such as carcinomas (usually adenocarcinoma or small cell carcinoma), lymphoma, and malignant melanoma as well less as uncommon tumors such as sarcomas and...