A case of thoracolithiasis

A 72-year-old male underwent a mass examination in which plain thoracic radiography detected a tumorous mass in the lower left lung field. A pulmonary lesion was suspected and thoracoscopy was conducted. In the thoracic cavity, a fibrous adhesion of intermediate severity was found over the entire posterior part of the lower left lobe, and a white detached substance was recognized among the adhesive fibers. No intra-pulmonary tumor was detected. The detached substance was a tumor that was hard and smooth on the surface and measured 25 (diameter) ×20×18mm. Its split surface appeared laminated with a brownish nucleus at the center. A histopathological examination revealed calcification at the center that was concentrically surrounded by hyaline collagenous fibers. These findings led to a diagnosis of thoracolithiasis.