Calcifying Fibrous Tumor Complicated by Empyema

Calcifying fibrous tumor (CFT) is a rare, benign proliferation of fibroblasts and inflammatory cells that is non-invasive and usually arises in deep tissue structures. Due to its overall paucity, no accurate incidence has been reported yet. We understand this disease via a handful of case studies published in the medical literature, first of them being from 1988. Earlier known as 'pseudotumor', it was recently given its name due to the potential of recurrence and multifocal involvement. We describe the case of a 43-year-old Hispanic male who presented with a large symptomatic pleural-based mass which turned out to be CFT and was later complicated by empyema. Our aim is to increase awareness about this rare disease and throw light upon its benign nature, despite an alarming and suspicious appearance on imaging. Due to the large size of our patient’s mass (largest reported yet), he needed extensive chest wall reconstruction, leading to complications requiring additional invasive procedures. This underscores the importance of early diagnosis and treatment which can reduce the need for aggressive surgical manipulation and avoid postoperative complications, thereby providing high-value care. Treating physicians should be mindful of this, in order to prompt early recognition to ensure effective patient care.