Pleural recurrence after surgery for pleomorphic adenoma arising from peripheral lung: computed tomography-guided percutaneous needle biopsy as a possible mechanism of local failure.

A 75-year-old male was referred to our hospital because of an abnormal shadow found in the right lung 2 years prior that had been increasing in size. Chest computed tomography showed a 1-cm well-defined nodule in the periphery of the right middle lobe. Although a computed tomography-guided percutaneous needle biopsy was performed, the results were indeterminate. In observations over the course of 1 year, the tumor size increased. Surgical resection was finally performed for diagnosis and treatment, and histological findings revealed a pulmonary pleomorphic adenoma. 2 years after surgery, pleural dissemination unfortunately developed. We present here a case of recurrence as pleural dissemination despite complete resection of a pulmonary pleomorphic adenoma arising from peripheral lung tissue. There is a possibility that the local failure is related to percutaneous needle biopsy.