A Case of Solitary Fibrous Tumor of the Pleura That Increased in Size After Resection of Renal Cell Carcinoma

Abstract

Background. Solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) is a rare tumor of mesenchymal origin that occurs preferentially in the pleura. When a solitary thoracic nodule is detected in a patient suffering from any type of cancer, it is difficult to determine whether the nodule is a metastatic lesion or a de novo primary thoracic tumor. Case. A 62-year-old man, previously treated for stage IB renal cell carcinoma by nephrectomy, was admitted to our hospital for further examination following detection of a solitary thoracic nodule, which was suspected to be thoracic metastasis. The patient underwent computed tomography (CT)-guided lung biopsy and SFT was subsequently diagnosed, although hemothorax occurred due to intercostal artery laceration. Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) was performed and no recurrence has occurred thus far. Conclusion. When a solitary thoracic nodule is detected in a patient suffering from any type of cancer, SFT should be considered in the differential diagnosis, and surgical resection may be considered as initial treatment if the primary tumor is controlled, no extrathoracic metastases are present, and the patient is in good enough condition to undergo the operation.