Clear cell sarcoma of soft tissue in pleural cavity: A case report

BACKGROUND: Clear cell sarcoma (CCS) of soft tissue is a rare malignant soft tissue sarcoma usually reported to locate at distal end of extremities and rarely at trunk. Herein, we report a case of CCS in pleural cavity. CASE SUMMARY: A 31-year-old male was admitted for an uncertain mass in left pleural cavity in routine physical examination without any symptoms. A VATS surgery was performed to remove the tumor. The pathological finding displayed a cystic mass with 6.5 cm at the longest diameter, dark red in section and cysts could be found locally. A strong expression of S-100, HMB45 and Vimentin was detected in immunohistochemical staining, which was inclined to the diagnosis of the CCS of soft tissue. The patient refused chemotherapy, radiotherapy and targeted therapy because of the personal financial situation. Follow-up computed tomography scans were done at the 90(th) postoperative day and the 180(th) postoperative day, and no obvious sign of recurrence was found till now. CONCLUSION: CCS of soft tissue also can be found in pleural cavity although in an extremely rare incidence. Radical resection is useful to improve the prognosis.