Type 1 neurofibromatosis with a giant intrathoracic lesion: a case report with 25 years of follow-up.

Abstract We report a case of neurofibromatosis 1 with a huge intrathoracic lesion followed-up for 25 years. When the patient was 5 years of age, we performed a partial resection as an excisional biopsy. Microscopically, small spindle cells and collagen were spread between fat cells. A CT scan revealed a large intrathoracic mass, but tumor growth increasingly retarded as the patient grew older. During the entire 25-year follow-up period, from 5 to 30 years of age, the patient showed no neurological signs or other clinical symptoms. The findings of our case suggest that for a neurofibromatosis 1 patient, a good prognosis can be expected even if a huge destructive intrathoracic intrusion is detected. To assess the risk of malignant transformation , follow-up is required, accompanied by appropriate diagnostic modalities and physical examinations.