Work

Thoracic Endometriosis Mimicking a Lung Mass: Management With Single‐Stage Biopsy and Microwave Ablation

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Thoracic endometriosis syndrome is a rare extrapelvic manifestation involving the pleura, diaphragm or lung parenchyma. Presentation as a solitary pulmonary nodule mimicking malignancy is uncommon. We report a 31-year-old asymptomatic woman with an enlarging right lower lobe nodule, measuring 1.8-2.1 cm over 3 months. Following shared decision-making, single-stage image-guided biopsy and microwave ablation (MWA) were performed. Histopathology confirmed pulmonary endometriosis. No clinically significant postoperative complications occurred, and the patient was discharged on postoperative Day 1. Follow-up CT at 6 and 12 months demonstrated no obvious local recurrence without additional treatment. This case describes a potential minimally invasive approach for selected pulmonary lesions, although the safety, efficacy and long-term outcomes of MWA for pulmonary endometriosis remain uncertain.

Source: Respirology Case Reports

DOI: 10.1002/rcr2.70811

Authors: Min Hsieh, Shun‐Mao Yang, Hsien‐Neng Huang

Institution: National Taiwan University Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Endometriosis Research and Treatment

Subfield: Reproductive Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,130