FINE-NEEDLE ASPIRATION BIOPSY OF SOLITARY FIBROUS TUMOR OF THE PLEURA- A REPORT OF 2 CASES WITH A DISCUSSION OF DIAGNOSTIC PITFALLS

BACKGROUND: The diagnosis of a peripheral pulmonary nodule presents a challenge due to many diagnostic possibilities and pitfalls. We descri be the cytologic features of solitary fibrous tumor of the pleura, dif ferential diagnoses, pertinent immunohistochemical stains and histogen esis. CASES: Two cases of solitary fibrous tumor of the pleura showed two cell populations on cytologic preparations: mesothelial cells and spindle cells. The neoplastic spindle cell component was positive for CD-34 and vimentin but not for cytokeratin. CONCLUSION: Solitary fibro us tumor of the pleura is rare but should be included in the different ial diagnosis of a peripheral pulmonary nodule. Fine needle aspiration biopsy is a safe and vapid method of providing a confirmatory diagnos is.