[A rare costal tumor].
BACKGROUND
Costal primary tumors are rare and dominated by malignant tumors. Hemangioma of the bone represents only 1% of the bone tumors. Costal localization accounts only for 1% of the cases and only about fifty cases have been reported in the literature.


OBJECTIVE
To describe a rare costal tumor, its histological features and the main differential diagnoses.


METHODS
The authors describe the case of a 46 - year-old woman who present with chest pain. Radiological findings didn't allow to rule out a malignant tumor and the treatment consisted in the resection of the posterior arch of the rib. Microscopic examination concluded to a costal hemangioma and the patient didn't present recurrences after 6 years of follow up.


CONCLUSIONS
Costal hemangioma is an exceptional tumor with a debated etiology. Some radiological features may be specific but the diagnosis is based on histological findings. These tumours have a good prognosis and no case of recurrence have been reported in the literature.
Departement de Pathologie, Hopital Abderrahman Mami, Tunis, Tunisie.
Mona
M
Mlika
Aida
A
Ayadi-Kaddour
Hajer
H
Racil
Adel
A
Morgheli
Abdellatif
A
Chabbou
Tarek
T
Kilani
Faouzi
F
El Mezni
D001859:Bone Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005260:Female; D006391:Hemangioma / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D012272:Ribs