Chest Wall Tumors

Chest wall tumours are strange growths that come from the tissues that make up the chest wall, such as bones (ribs, sternum), muscles, cartilage, and connective tissue. These tumours can be either benign (not cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Malignant tumours are more aggressive and can be life-threatening. Lipomas, fibromas, and osteochondromas are examples of common benign tumours. Sarcomas, including chondrosarcoma or osteosarcoma, are examples of malignant tumours.

Patients with chest wall tumours may exhibit symptoms such as a discernible or palpable mass, localised pain, oedema, or discomfort that may progressively intensify. In certain instances, tumours may remain asymptomatic and are identified accidentally during imaging modalities, such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs.
Imaging is usually done first, followed by a biopsy to determine the tumour type. The type and stage of the tumour will determine how it is treated. If benign tumours are causing symptoms, they may need to be surgically removed. If malignant tumours are causing symptoms, they usually need a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Early detection and proper treatment greatly enhance results and lower the risks of complications that arise from tumour growth or invasion of nearby structures.