Extrapleural fat prolapse mimicking recurrent bronchogenic carcinoma

A patient with prolapse of extrapleural fat through a small surgical defect of the chest wall, which was mistaken for recurrent tumor, is described. A computed tomography scan of the region correctly identified normal fat and obviated an unnecessary invasive procedure. Focal prolapse of extrapleural fat should be included in the differential diagnosis of extrapleural masses even in the setting of small surgical defects of the thoracic wall.