A Symptomatic Osteochondroma on a Rib from Birth: A Case Report of a Rare Benign Tumor

Abstract

Background: Osteochondroma, also known as osteocartilaginous exostosis, is the most common benign bone tumor, originating from the growth plate. This tumor can manifest as symptomatic or asymptomatic and can also be isolated or multiple. While osteochondroma is common in long bones, it is very rare in the ribs. Case Presentation: This study presents a 7-year-old girl who was referred to the doctor with a painless mass in her chest that has been present since birth. Ultrasound and subsequent CT scan findings revealed an isolated osteochondroma mass on one of her ribs. Although surgery was not necessary, the patient underwent the surgery for aesthetic purposes. Subsequently, the pathology sample of the mass was sent to the laboratory to confirm the diagnosis. Conclusion: While osteochondroma is a prevalent bone tumor, its presence in axial bones, especially on the ribs, is quite uncommon. This rare manifestation is important because it can put pressure on surrounding organs, create unusual symptoms, and be considered in the differential diagnosis of other orthopedic diseases and malignancies.

Keywords

• exostosis
• osteochondroma
• ribs
• surgery