Preoperative Embolization of a Giant Solitary Fibrous Tumor of the Pleura: A Case Report

Only 5% of pleural neoplasms are fibrous tumors of the pleura, which typically develop from sub-mesothelial mesenchymal tissue of the visceral pleura. These tumors often behave clinically benignly, and when they are larger than 15 cm or occupy more than 40% of the hemithorax, they are referred to as “giant” tumors. Surgical excision is the gold standard treatment, although intra-operative bleeding is one of the major complications. In this case report, we discuss a 39-year-old female patient with a large homogeneous enhancing mass of soft tissue density in the right lower hemithorax with systemic arterial supply from the right inferior phrenic artery. Angiography and embolization were valuable adjuncts in preoperative management. Via thoracotomy, the mass was successfully removed completely with minimal blood loss. Giant SFTP is a rare neoplasm of the pleura. Intraoperative bleeding is one of the main complications during surgical resection, which is the gold standard of its treatment. Angiography and embolization are valuable complements in the preoperative treatment of this type of tumors to reduce intraoperative blood loss and operative times.