Lung cancer is now the main cause of blood flow obstruction in the superior vena cava and of its clinical manifestations. History tells that in the 18th Century, syphilis and tuberculosis were responsible for 40% of the known cases. The knowledge of hemodynamic changes seen in this syndrome and the improvement of diagnostic and cytopathologic techniques allow for a safer and more comfortable treatment of the patient than 10 years ago. Contrast CT and MR added to the identification and location of the obstruction, and older techniques such as cavography could be abandoned. SVC obstruction diagnosis and Doppler studies carried out at the bed of the patient contribute to deobstruction procedures such as transluminal percutaneous angioplasty in cases of thrombosis and venous stenosis. In addition, the use of prostheses is of great importance in the management of cases utilization of traumatic lesion to the SVC during lung or mediastinal cancer surgeries. In the realm of radiotherapy, the fractionating technique allows for the administration of high doses of irradiation to cancer patients with benefits to 70% of the cases on the average.

The authors report the case of a 28-year-old female patient with a giant cell tumor originating from the rib. The tumor, measuring 25 × 17 cm, occupied the entire hemithorax and caused atelectasis of the left lung. This tumor was a benign mesenchymal neoplasm, which rarely affects the ribs. A thoracotomy involving en bloc resection of the chest wall and tumor was performed. Despite the large dimensions of the tumor, complete resection was possible, and lung function was restored.

Keywords: Neoplasms; Giant cells; Mesoderm; Thoracotomy; Medical records.