A rare case of chest wall lipoma growing into the pleural cavity: a case report

BACKGROUND: Several cases of lipoma in unusual locations in the thorax have been reported. Appropriate surgical treatment depending on the location and shape is often required. CASE PRESENTATION: We herein report an extremely rare case of a chest wall lipoma growing into the pleural cavity. The tumor was successfully removed without damaging the capsule by a combination of direct and thoracoscopic approaches. CONCLUSIONS: Chest wall lipomas growing into pleural cavity can be successfully treated by a combination of direct and thoracoscopic approaches.