Tumor-like disorders of the lung pleura are a group of conditions that on initial radiological studies might be confused with malignant lesions.
[1] Exposure to asbestos fibers reach the pleura of the lungs through the lymphatic channels or blood stream.
However, studies have demonstrated that pleural plaques are an independent risk factor for developing bronchogenic carcinoma and/or mesothelioma.
Following thoracoabdominal trauma, most commonly a penetrating injury, laceration of the diaphragm, and spleen allows ectopic splenic tissue to reach the pleural space of the lung.
[7] Ectopic endometrial tissue reaches the pleural space of the lung or the right hemi-diaphragmatic region and erodes the visceral pleura, causing the formation of a spontaneous pneumothorax.
[8] Affected persons usually present with recurrent spontaneous pneumothorax associated with the onset of the menstrual cycle.
[9] Affected persons usually present with signs of systemic fluid overload due to conditions such as congestive heart failure (CHF), cirrhosis or chronic kidney disease.
[9] On radiological studies, a pleural pseudotumor is visualized as a biconcave or lenticular lesion using conventional chest x-rays and CT scans.
[11] On radiological studies, thickening of the pleura can be visualized extending along various rib levels using conventional chest x-rays and CT scans.
[1] Thoracentesis and pericardiocentesis are procedures performed to remove excess fluid in the pleural and pericardial spaces, respectively.