title: Subpleural lipoma: Management of a rare intrathoracic tumor.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Subpleural lipomas are rare intrathoracic benign tumors. They are often discovered incidentally on plain chest radiographs and the diagnosis is usually established by computed tomography.
  
  
  METHODS
  We report a case of subpleural lipoma, with enlargement during a period of two years. Pathology examination of the specimen confirmed the diagnosis of lipoma.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  For non-invasive diagnostic investigation, computed tomography enables the identification and quantification of subpleural lipoma due to their characteristic fat attenuation. Surgical resection with thoracotomy or VATS provides more accurate and firm diagnosis, and complete excision.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This clinical entity needs attention due to difficult preoperative differentiation. Complete surgical excision of these lesions with the appropriate surgical approach is mandatory, for both diagnosis and treatment.
authors.affiliation: Thoracic Surgery Department, 401 Military Hospital, Katehaki Ave & Mesogion Ave, 11525 Athens, Greece. Electronic address: sakellaridis_t@yahoo.gr.
authors.forename: Timothy
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Sakellaridis
authors.forename: Ioannis
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Panagiotou
authors.forename: Stylianos
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Gaitanakis
authors.forename: Stamatis
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Katsenos
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