Chest Wall with Tumor

Chondrosarcoma:
A rare malignant tumor that begins in the bone and is caused by unregulated growth of cartilage forming cells. Although chondrosarcomas are more common in the pelvis they are the most common primary malignant tumor of the chest wall. Most patients present with an enlarging, painful anterior chest wall mass arising from the junction between the cartilage and rib or sternum.

Chest Wall:
A multilayered framework of the thorax which facilitates respiratory function and serves to protect the heart, lungs, and major blood vessels. It consists of the sternum, ribs, cartilage, fascia, pleura, spine, and muscles. Both primary and secondary tumors can affect the chest wall. A primary tumor arises in one of the tissues of the chest wall and grows into the adjacent structures. A secondary tumor either directly invades the chest wall from adjacent organs (lung or breast) or from metastatic spread of another tumor from a distant site.

Treatment:
Primary chest wall tumors are rare affecting < 2% of the population. 50-80% are malignant and the remainder benign. Surgical resection is the first line of treatment depending on size, invasiveness, preexisting health conditions, and whether there is metastasis. Depending on the type and grade of the tumor the patient may need additional chemotherapy or radiation. If the resected lesion is large the chest wall may need to be reconstructed to minimize the effect on respiratory function.