Abstract
Background: Chondrosarcoma primarily occurs in the pelvis and femur, with occasional cases in the ribs. Surgical resection remains the main treatment method for costal chondrosarcoma. However, complete resection often leads to a large range of chest wall defects and a challenging reconstruction.
Case presentation: A 49-year-old female patient presented with progressive swelling of the right chest and abdominal wall over 15 years. Chest CT revealed a 20.1 × 15.6 × 13.7 cm multilocular cystic-solid mass with internal calcification, encircling the 8th to 12th ribs and causing elevation of the right diaphragm. Compression of the liver resulting in a significant reduction in volume. Based on an ultrasound-guided biopsy, chondrosarcoma Grade I was diagnosed. After a multi-disciplinary discussion, we performed a complete resection of the tumor, including the 8th to 12th anterolateral ribs and part of the diaphragm. The diaphragm was then reconstructed by suturing it to the ribs and intercostal muscles. The thoraco-abdominal wall defects were reconstructed with a hernia mesh. Finally, we excised the excess skin and then closed the incision. Histopathologic diagnosis was chondrosarcoma Grade II. The postoperative course was uneventful.
Conclusions: Wide en-bloc resection followed by reconstruction using mesh is feasible and effective for costal chondrosarcoma with limited invasion. This case illustrates the importance of meticulous preoperative planning and multi-disciplinary discussion.