A 39-year-old man with dyspnoea, low forced expiratory volume and a large mass of the left hemithorax

In patients with intrathoracic neoplasms, low forced expiratory volume (FEV(1)) can preclude surgical treatment. Here, we present a case of a giant solitary fibroma of the pleura (SFTP) successfully treated by surgical removal in spite of low FEV(1). A 39-year-old male patient was referred to our hospital with dyspnoea and chest distress. Computed tomography (CT) showed a large mass in the left chest. Spirometry showed FEV(1) 1.4 L (39% of the expected value). Computed tomography scan-guided transcutaneous aspiration biopsy was performed on the patient, and microscopic examination of the specimen revealed spindle tumor cells with a background of abundant collagen. Complete surgical resection was accomplished. The tumor was large and encapsulated. It measured 28 cm × 20 cm × 18 cm. The definitive diagnosis obtained by histopathology after resection was benign SFTP. The patient felt no dyspnoea at discharge. Surgical treatment of SFTP should be considered even in patients with a huge tumor and with increased post-operative risk.