Abstract

Pleural biopsies are important for the diagnostic evaluation of exudative pleural effusions of unclear origin and tumorous changes of the pleura, especially if the cytological analysis does not provide any specific findings. There are various types of pleural biopsies available, of which in particular the sonographic or CT-guided transthoracic needle biopsies or thorascopically obtained biopsies have a high diagnostic value. Diagnostic challenges are the differentiation between reactive mesothelial changes in the context of pleurisies and malignant mesothelioma as well as the differentiation between metastatic infiltration of the pleura and pleural originated tumors. In addition to classical morphological criteria, immunohistochemistry and to a lesser extent molecular analysis provides important information that facilitates the differentiation of tumorous and reactive changes.

Author Details

Authors

• I. Bittmann

Departments

• Agaplesion Diakonieklinikum Rotenburg

Address

Prof. Dr. med. Iris Bittmann
Agaplesion Diakonieklinikum Rotenburg gGmbH
Elise-Averdieck Straße 17
27356 Rotenburg
Email: [email protected]

Log in for Subscribers

Citation