[Primary synovial sarcoma of the lung - a rare tumor]

We present a 26 year old patient with a primary malignant synovial sarcoma of the lung that was observed for more than one year by a general practitioner and a pulmologist. Finally, because of recurrent hemoptysis a central tumor of mesenchymal origin of the left lower lobe was diagnosed by bronchoscopy. The invasion of the left atrium as far as to the mitral valve was diagnosed by MRT. The patient was operated on by extended pneumonectomy with extracorporeal circulation. The partial excision of the left atrium required plastic reconstruction. In the postoperative course the patient underwent chemo-therapy, 6 cycles adriablastine/ifosfamid. 8 months after the first operation an extensive tumor recurrency occurred with infiltration of the chest wall. The patient refused further radio- or chemotherapy and died 14 months after the operation. Because of the small number of cases therapeutic strategy conceptions do not exist. The resection of the tumor is generally recommended. Chemo- and radiotherapy are accepted as an option for advanced tumor stage.