Pleural Effusion resembling a lung tumor: Phantom Tumor of the Lung. (Preprint)

Abstract

BACKGROUND Phantom tumor of the Lung (also called Pseudo tumor of the lung) is a mass like appearance of inter-lobar pleural fluid collection in Congestive Heart Failure. The words Phantom or Pseudo are coined, for this unusual finding, because it resembles to a tumor on radiograph and vanishes after initiating diuretic therapy. OBJECTIVE Phantom tumor of the Lung (also called Pseudo tumor of the lung) is a mass like appearance of inter-lobar pleural fluid collection in Congestive Heart Failure. The words Phantom or Pseudo are coined, for this unusual finding, because it resembles to a tumor on radiograph and vanishes after initiating diuretic therapy. METHODS Case report RESULTS We suggest that, Phantom tumor be always kept in differentials of mass-like finding on chest radiograph in patients with congestive heart failure; if there has been an increase in symptoms and signs of congestive heart failure. And treatment with diuretics be provided, before going for any other expensive and unnecessary investigations or procedures. CONCLUSIONS We suggest that, Phantom tumor be always kept in differentials of mass-like finding on chest radiograph in patients with congestive heart failure; if there has been an increase in symptoms and signs of congestive heart failure. And treatment with diuretics be provided, before going for any other expensive and unnecessary investigations or procedures.