General Information About Chest Wall Tumors
Disease Details and Frequently Asked Questions
They are benign or malignant tumoral growths originating from the tissues that form the structure of the rib cage, including bones, cartilages, and muscles.
Primary tumors start directly in the chest bone or muscle (Sarcoma, Chondroma, etc.). Secondary (metastatic) tumors occur when cancer from other organs, such as breast, lung, or kidney cancer, spreads to the chest wall.
They present as increasingly growing hard masses that can usually be felt externally in the chest area, which may be painful or painless, along with restricted breathing and a persistent ache in the chest region.
Yes. Especially cartilage/bone-derived tumors like chondromas or osteochondromas are generally benign and do not spread (metastasize), but they can make breathing difficult by pressing on surrounding tissues.
X-rays, Computed Tomography (CT), and MRI scans detail the location and tissue structure of the tumor. To confirm the character of the tumor (malignant/benign), a needle biopsy or surgical biopsy is performed.
The cornerstone of treatment is surgically removing the mass along with some surrounding healthy tissue (wide excision). The removed bone and tissues are replaced with synthetic patches or titanium plates (reconstruction) to restore the rib cage to its original form. In cases of cancer, chemotherapy or radiotherapy is added.
Our health library contents are prepared for informational purposes only and with scientific data available at the time of recording. For all your questions, concerns, diagnosis, or treatment regarding your health, please consult your doctor or a healthcare institution.
