Combined Surgery, Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy of Primary Pulmonary Malignant Fibrous Histiocytoma: A Case Report

Abstract

Primary pulmonary soft tissue sarcomas are a type of rare malignant tumor that could be misdiagnosed as intimal pulmonary carcinomas or metastasis of other carcinomas. Malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH) is one type of the soft tissue sarcoma. The MFH is often seen in deep soft tissue of the extremities, trunk and peritoneum, while primary MFH in lung is rarely seen. Here we report a case of a 46-year-old woman who first presented shoulder pain and a mass lesion occupying almost 1/2 of the left hemi thorax. A malignant pulmonary tumor was considered, and an exploratory thoracotomy was performed. Due to severe adhesion with pulmonary artery, the tumor was not completely removed. Subsequent pathological examination identified the lesion as primary pulmonary malignant fibrous histiocytoma. Combined chemo- and radiotherapy were performed after exploratory surgery and exhibited good therapeutic effects. The patient is on regular follow-up for six years and is currently recovering well with no evidence of relapse. The aim of this case report is to share our experience in treating rare primary pulmonary MFH with combined surgery, chemo- and radiotherapy.