LAUSR

Solitary fibrous tumours of the pleura (SFTP) are rare tumours with poorly recognised presentations and aetiology. to evaluate the presentations, risk factors, investigations, management and follow up for 4 cases of SFTP retrospective review of medical records of 4 patients diagnosed with SFTP at the Golden Jubilee National Hospital between January-October 2020. Data was collated on presenting signs and symptoms, co-morbidities, risk factors, investigations, management and follow. A literature review was conducted, and findings discussed. All cases were males aged 62-85. All were referred from the same geographical area. Pre-disposing risk factors included exposure to cold-dust (1), asbestos (1) and smoking (1). Presenting symptoms were cough (3), shortness of breath (1), weight loss and fatigue (1). Associated co-morbidities were coagulopathy(2) and hyperglycaemia (1). Patients were investigated pre-operatively with chest x-ray (4), pulmonary function tests (4), PET-CT scan (4) and CT biopsy (3). One patient had genetic studies for chromosome 18 translocation. Three out of 4 patients were managed surgically with wedge resection (3) via video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (2) or open thoracotomy(1), followed by excision biopsy studies (3). Tumours originated from the visceral (1), mediastinal (1) and parietal (1) pleura. Recurrence risk for all patients was deemed to be 20%. Follow up was with 6 monthly CT scans for 5 years (1). SFTP is a rare tumour which presents with non-specific symptoms. Better understanding of the aetiology, presentation and investigations is needed to aid definitive diagnosis and tailored management