Thoracic endometriosis in an inoperable patient

Area of Science:

• Pulmonology
• Gynecology
• Radiology

Background:

• Thoracic endometriosis is a rare condition where endometrial tissue implants in the thoracic cavity.
• It can present with diverse symptoms, often mimicking other pulmonary pathologies, including malignant tumors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a unique case of thoracic endometriosis presenting as a large pulmonary mass.
• To discuss the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges in managing inoperable patients with this rare condition.

Main Methods:

• Case report of a woman in her 30s diagnosed with thoracic endometriosis.
• Utilized computed tomography (CT) for lesion assessment.
• Initiated hormonal treatment with progestin (synthetic progesterone).

Main Results:

• A large pulmonary mass was diagnosed as thoracic endometriosis.
• The patient was deemed inoperable due to anatomical constraints.
• Follow-up CT revealed central cavitation within the lesion, connected to a bronchus, posing a therapeutic dilemma.

Conclusions:

• Thoracic endometriosis can present as an atypical thoracic mass, challenging diagnosis and treatment.
• Inoperable patients with such masses require careful consideration of management strategies.
• The development of cavitation adds complexity to treatment planning.