[Costal chondrosarcoma. 4 cases].
BACKGROUND
Tumors of the rib cage are uncommon and malignant in 29% of the cases. Chondrosarcoma predominates, accounting for 40% of all cases of malignant costal tumors.


METHODS
Four patients (3 women, 1 man, mean age 28.2 years) were hospitalized for costal chondrosarcoma. Pain and tumefaction dominated the clinical presentation. Calcifications suggested the diagnosis in 3 cases. Curative surgery was performed in all cases. Postoperative radiotherapy was unable to improve prognosis in 2 patients.


CONCLUSIONS
Chondrosarcoma of the ribs is characterized by a strong potential for invasive extension. Diagnosis is suspected on the basis of imaging findings and confirmed at pathology. Surgery is required. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy do not improve prognosis significantly.
Ben M'rad
S
S
Service de Pneumologie, Hôpital, A. Mami, Ariana, Tunisie.
el Hammami
S
S
Merai
S
S
Kamoun
N
N
Horchani
H
H
Ben Miled
K
K
Kilani
T
T
Djenayah
F
F
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001859:Bone Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D002813:Chondrosarcoma / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D011182:Postoperative Care; D011379:Prognosis; D013902:Radiography, Thoracic; D011878:Radiotherapy; D012272:Ribs / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents