Chest Wall Tumors

Tumors of the chest wall are primary benign and malignant tumors of the soft tissue and bony structures, metastatic tumors to the chest wall, or lung tumors that invade locally into the chest wall. Patients typically present with a painful mass. The diagnosis is made with a CT scan and a core needle or incisional biopsy. Treatment is primarily surgical but radiation can play a role. Complete surgical resection is vital for cure and prevention of local recurrence. Complete resection may require removing ribs, underlying lung tissue, muscle, and associated soft tissues. Reconstruction with prosthetic material or rotational muscle flaps may be required if the resection is large.