Intrathoracic xanthoma mimicking lung cancer in a patient with familial hypercholesterolemia type II: a case report

Heart Surg Forum. 2007;10(1):E3-5. doi: 10.1532/HSF98.20061030.

Abstract

Xanthomas are benign soft-tissue lesions commonly occurring on the skin, subcutis, or tendon sheaths of patients. The lung and thoracic cavity is a rare location for xanthomas. We present a 39-year-old woman who was admitted to our hospital with complaints of dyspnea, cough, and chest pain. She had a prior diagnosis of type II familial hypercholesterolemia. Chest x-ray film and computed tomography scans revealed a large tumor-like mass in the right hemithorax. Thoracal mass and narrowed tracheal segments were removed using cardiopulmonary bypass. Histopathologic findings were consistent with xanthoma.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anastomosis, Surgical / adverse effects
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hyperlipoproteinemia Type II / complications*
  • Lung Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Pneumonia / etiology
  • Reoperation
  • Surgical Wound Dehiscence / etiology
  • Thoracic Neoplasms / complications
  • Thoracic Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Thoracic Neoplasms / surgery
  • Thoracic Surgical Procedures / adverse effects*
  • Xanthomatosis / complications
  • Xanthomatosis / diagnosis*
  • Xanthomatosis / surgery