A Rare Thymic Tumor - Lipofibroadenoma - Always a Postoperative Surprise

Abstract

Background/aim: Thymic lipofibroadenoma is a benign growth of unknown etiology extremely rarely described in the literature, morphologically resembling lipofibroadenoma of the breast. The diagnosis is usually a postoperative surprise and is made by the anatomopathologist. Surgical resection is curative.

Case report: The presented case is the first reported in a woman, to date. The patient was successfully submitted to surgery and complete resection of the giant intrathoracic tumor was performed. The histopathological and immunohistochemical studies came to demonstrated the presence of a thymic lipofibroadenoma while the postoperative outcomes were favorable.

Conclusion: In cases presenting large intrathoracic tumors complete resection is able to provide a significant improvement of the general condition of the patient, as well as a chance for cure.

Keywords: Thymic lipofibroadenoma; resection; thymic rare tumor.