Pleural Neoplasms (Tumors)
Pleural neoplasms, a form of metastatic carcinoma, are most commonly found in lung tissues (pleura). Pleural neoplasms can be either benign or malignant. More commonly known as tumors, neoplasm is the medical terminology used to identify cell overgrowth. Benign pleural neoplasms are not cancerous, whereas malignant pleural neoplasms are cancerous. Mesothelioma is a form of lung cancer that can sometimes have pleural neoplasms present. In such cases, surgical removal of the cell overgrowth is performed and tested for carcinoma. Pleural neoplasms can take form as a focal pleural mass that is produced by the localizing of fibrous tumors in lung tissues. Neoplasms of the lungs can also diffuse pleural thickening. When pleural thickening occurs, the scar tissues begin to grow along the lining of the lungs.
