Subpleural lipoma: Management of a rare intrathoracic tumor

Subpleural lipomas are rare intrathoracic benign tumors. They are often discovered incidentally on plain chest radiographs and the diagnosis is usually established by computed tomography.

We report a case of subpleural lipoma, with enlargement during a period of two years. Pathology examination of the specimen confirmed the diagnosis of lipoma.

For non-invasive diagnostic investigation, computed tomography enables the identification and quantification of subpleural lipoma due to their characteristic fat attenuation. Surgical resection with thoracotomy or VATS provides more accurate and firm diagnosis, and complete excision.

This clinical entity needs attention due to difficult preoperative differentiation. Complete surgical excision of these lesions with the appropriate surgical approach is mandatory, for both diagnosis and treatment.