Chest wall secondary chondrosarcoma caused by malignant degeneration of an enchondroma - case report and literature review

Abstract

Introduction: Enchondromas are benign tumors originating in the cartilaginous tissue of the hyaline gristle, rarely being located in the chest wall. Sometimes, the enchondromas can undergo a sarcomatous transformation, turning into secondary chondrosarcomas.

Case presentation: We present the case of a 53-year-old patient who following a chest CT (Computed tomography). scan performed after suffering a thoracic trauma, was diagnosed with an osteolytic tumor at the chondro-costal junction of the rib 4. Surgery was performed, practicing partial resection of the ribs 3-5 straight. Histopathological examination of the resection piece identified the existence of a chest wall chondrosarcoma on the background of malignant degeneration of an enchondromatosis lesion. The postoperative evolution was favorable, patient being discharged on the 8th postoperative day.

Conclusion: Malignant tumors of the chest wall are particularly rare. The appearance of osteolytic lesions at the level of the costal osteo-chondral junction may raise the suspicion of a secondary chondrosarcoma appeared on the background of some enchondromatosis lesions.