Chondrosarcoma of the Rib Mimicking Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma

Abstract

A 62-year-old man with a history of long-term asbestos exposure was found to have a chest wall tumor invading the sixth rib on chest computed tomography. The computed tomography also revealed multiple plaques in the pleura. Malignant pleural mesothelioma was suspected, and thoracoscopic surgery was performed. Thoracoscopy revealed that the tumor location was extrapleural. Thus, excisional biopsy was performed. The tumor was histologically diagnosed as chondrosarcoma. Additional wide resection of the chest wall, including the fifth, sixth, and seventh ribs, was performed. Chest wall reconstruction was performed with a polypropylene mesh.

Keywords

• Chondrosarcoma
• Malignant pleural mesothelioma
• Rib tumor
• Chest wall tumor
• Chest wall reconstruction