Solitary fibrous tumor of the pleura (SFTP) hidden in the pleural effusion

UNLABELLED: The patient with a non-malignant type of solitary fibrous tumor of the pleura (SFTP) has been presented as an example; this tumor manifested itself in long-lasting pleural effusion. The tumor, submerged in the liquid, with the diameter of 16 cm, was invisible in standard and computer X-rays of the chest. The tumor was found and removed during the thoracotomy. The patient has been alive for 9 years, without symptoms of the disease since the operation was performed. CONCLUSIONS: 1. The source of one-sided exudation can be a non-malignant SFTP. 2. Tumor submerged in the liquid can be invisible on standard and computer pictures of the chest.