Pathological pulmonary hernia in a patient with metastatic breast cancer.

INTRODUCTION Pathological pulmonary hernia is a rare clinical entity which can be caused by malignancies. CLINICAL PICTURE A 72-year-old female presented with a painful bulge in the left 4th intercostal space. Chest radiography and computed tomography demonstrated a left pulmonary hernia, pleural effusion and destruction of ribs. TREATMENT The hernia sac was excised and a part of the chest wall was resected with reconstruction of residual defect. OUTCOME The patient died 2 years after the treatment. CONCLUSIONS A multidisciplinary approach involving various medical specialists may offer patients with pathological pulmonary hernia remarkable palliation and better quality of life.