Work

Exceptional etiology of a huge pedunculated chest wall tumor with over 40 years of evolution: A case report

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Chest wall tumors are common and predominantly benign. Exceptionally, long-standing evolution over decades can lead to the development of giant tumors, posing substantial technical and strategic challenges in determining the optimal surgical approach. PRESENTATION OF CASE: We report a rare case of a giant pedunculated chest wall lipoma that had been growing for over 40 years in a 73-year-old man. CT scan revealed a mass with a 5 cm-suprascapular-implantation base, hanging posteriorly and mimicking a pseudo-limb, measuring 17 × 7 cm in diameter and 34 cm in length. Complete surgical resection was performed, and histopathology confirmed a benign lipoma with no signs of malignancy. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of a huge lipoma with more than 40 years of evolution and an unusual pedunculated presentation resembling a third upper limb. CONCLUSION: This case is exceptional due to its pedunculated appearance resembling an additional limb, and a slow evolution over more than 40 years. Complete surgical resection ensures a favorable prognosis.

Source: International Journal of Surgery Case Reports

DOI: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2025.111898

Authors: Zied Chaari, Aymen Ben Ayed, Hanen Bouattour, Ahmed Ben Ayed, Abdessalem Hentati

Institutions: University of Sfax, Hopital Universitaire Habib Bourguiba

Language: English

Topic: Soft tissue tumors and treatment

Subfield: Pathology and Forensic Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,090