The largest reported intrathoracic lipoma: a case report and current perspectives review

J Cardiothorac Surg. 2019 Dec 11;14(1):215. doi: 10.1186/s13019-019-1030-8.

Abstract

Background: The huge size intrathoracic lipomas are very rare. Few cases have been reported worldwide. To our knowledge, this presented case is one of the few cases reported. Here we report a single case as very huge intrathoracic lipoma compressing the right lung and displacing the diaphragm and liver downward. It has been managed by right posterolateral thoracotomy and complete excision, with excellent outcome.

Case presentation: A 32-year-old male presented with a symptomatic right intrathoracic mass, which was confirmed to be a lipomatous tumor using computed tomography. A penduculated tumor originating from the mediastinal pleura was resected through the conventional right posterior thoracotomy. Pathological examination indicated a diagnosis of fibrolipoma.

Conclusion: The tumor was symptomatic and relatively huge when detected during a medical checkup. This enabled the successful tumor resection via conventional thoracotomy approach. Although intrathoracic lipomas are histologically benign, careful observation and follow-up are crucial due to the possibility of recurrence.

Keywords: Fibrolipoma; Intra-thoracic; Lipoma.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Humans
  • Lipoma / diagnosis*
  • Lipoma / diagnostic imaging
  • Lipoma / surgery
  • Male
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / diagnosis*
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / diagnostic imaging
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / surgery
  • Pleural Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Pleural Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Pleural Neoplasms / surgery
  • Thoracotomy
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed