Pleural lipomas are rare, often asymptomatic tumours arising from the parietal pleura. Whereas radiographic signs of pleural lipomas are aspecific, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging permit accurate preoperative diagnosis. We describe the clinical-pathologic features of the first case of lipoma arising from the visceral pleura, accidentally discovered in a woman during removal of chest schwannoma. A review of literature concerning pleural lipomas is also presented.