A giant intrathoracic osteolipoma: A case report and review of the literature.

Introduction: Lipomas are ubiquitous and can occur anywhere in the body. Intrathoracic lipomata are rare benign lesions. However, a complete removal giant intrathoracic osteolipoma is achieved with only 18 cases previous cases described in medical literature from 1960 to 2008.

Presentation Of Case: A 66-year-old female presented to our hospital suffered from mild chest pain and mild shortness of breath for more than 10 days. A subsequent chest X-ray and CT scans revealed a large homogeneous, low-attenuation fat density mass containing an oval calcification area in the center of the mass. Following surgical resection was performed successfully to remove the entire mass, which weighed a total of 1568g and measured 26cm×19cm×12cm in size. The histological analysis confirmed a giant intrathoracic osteolipoma without evidence of malignancy.

Discussion: Intrathoracic lipomas are rare, slow-growing benign tumors without any symptom, which originate from the adipose tissue in submesothelial layers of the pleura parietalis, diaphragm, mediastinal and extrapericardial. They may extend into the chest cavity and fully encapsulate in most cases. Chest X-ray and CT and MRI scans are the most helpful tests in the diagnosis of intrathoracic lipomas. Complete enbloc removal of lipoma whenever possible, is the only definitive treatment option and the only way to prevent future recurrences.

Conclusion: This case is the largest intrathoracic osteolipoma documented in the modern literature. Complete enbloc removal of lipoma whenever possible, is the only definitive treatment option.