Solitary fibrous tumor

The exact cause of SFT remains unknown. This type of tumor affects men and women equally.

About one half of the people with this type of tumor do not show any symptoms.

If the tumor grows to a large size and pushes on the lung, it can lead to symptoms, such as:

• Chest pain
• Chronic cough
• Shortness of breath
• Clubbed appearance of the fingers

SFT is usually found by accident when a chest x-ray is done for other reasons. If the health care provider suspects SFT, tests will be ordered. These may include:

• CT scan of the chest
• Open lung biopsy
• Pulmonary function tests

The diagnosis of SFT is difficult compared with the cancerous type of this disease, called malignant mesothelioma, which is caused by exposure to asbestos (as cancer needs to be ruled out). SFT is not caused by asbestos exposure.

SFT is usually treated by removing the tumor.

The outcome is expected to be good with prompt treatment. In rare cases, the tumor may return.

Fluid escaping into the membranes around the lungs (pleural effusion) is a complication.

Contact your provider for an appointment if you notice symptoms of SFT.

Mesothelioma - benign; Mesothelioma - fibrous; Pleural fibroma

Kaidar-Person O, Zagar T, Haithcock BE, Weiss, J. Diseases of the pleura and mediastinum. In: Niederhuber JE, Armitage JO, Kastan MB, Doroshow JH, Tepper JE, eds. Abeloff's Clinical Oncology. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 70.

Konopka K, Arenberg DA. Benign lung tumors. In: Broaddus VC, Ernst JD, King Jr TE, et al, eds. Murray and Nadel's Textbook of Respiratory Medicine. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 80.

Updated by: Denis Hadjiliadis, MD, MHS, Paul F. Harron, Jr. Professor of Medicine, Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.