Lessons Learned From an Untreated "Benign" Thoracic Tumor

Abstract

We describe a patient with Doege-Potter syndrome (solitary fibrous tumor of the pleura presenting with hypoglycemia) and illustrate several important lessons learned from the case. Seven years after the initial diagnosis, the tumor showed significant growth and developed a high-grade undifferentiated component. Solitary fibrous tumors do grow and cannot be deemed benign. Resection should be considered in all patients who are candidates for operation upon diagnosis. Our case also serves as a reminder of this rare syndrome, inasmuch as early recognition of the association of hypoglycemia with these tumors may have allowed for earlier diagnosis and avoidance of extensive tests in our patient.