Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsTypesSymptomsCausesDiagnosisTreatmentPrognosisCoping
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Types
Symptoms
Causes
Diagnosis
Treatment
Prognosis
Coping
Chest wall cancer is cancer of the bone, cartilage, or soft tissue that protects and supports the organs in the chest cavity. The chest wall is made up of the bones of the spine, ribs, and sternum, as well as the muscles, fat, connective tissues, and nerves attached to them.
This article will discuss the types, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of chest wall cancer.
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Types of Chest Wall Cancer
Chest wall cancer is categorized based on the type of tissue that the cancer develops from. Below is a list of the most common types of chest wall tumors.
Benign Chest Wall Tumors
Malignant Chest Wall Tumors
Non-Primary Chest Wall Tumors
Non-primary tumors are those that spread to the chest wall from other places. They include:
Prevalence of Primary Chest Wall CancerChest wall tumors make up about 5% of all cancers in the chest and affect less than 2% of people. About half of primary chest wall tumors are benign.
Prevalence of Primary Chest Wall Cancer
Chest wall tumors make up about 5% of all cancers in the chest and affect less than 2% of people. About half of primary chest wall tumors are benign.
Chest Wall Cancer Symptoms
Chest wall tumors can cause pain, swelling, or a lump in the chest area that enlarges over time.
Up to one in five chest wall tumors may not have any symptoms. Instead, they are found when performing medical tests for another condition.
Most chest wall tumors are sporadic, meaning they develop randomly without any clear, direct cause.
Others, like chondrosarcoma, liposarcoma, anddesmoid tumors, can be associated with previous trauma to the area.
Imaging tests are often used to identify chest wall tumors. These tests can include:
In order to know exactly what type of tumor it is, tissue from the tumor is removed in a procedure called abiopsy. The tissue sample is then sent to a lab for analysis and detection of cancer cells.
Treatment of chest wall cancer depends on the type of cancer. It can involve a combination ofchemotherapy,radiation therapy, and surgery.
Almost all chest wall tumors require surgery to remove part of the chest wall or rib cage.The amount of tissue removed in surgery often requires reconstruction of the chest wall to maintain normal appearance and function.
The prognosis of chest wall cancer depends on the specific type of cancer.
Benign tumors generally have an excellent prognosis, without long-term serious side effects after removal.
The prognosis for malignant tumors is generally more serious since these tumors can spread to other organs and affect survival. However, the risk depends on the size and extent of the tumor when it is treated, and whether it can be completely removed with surgery.
Being diagnosed with chest wall cancer brings a host of both emotional and physical challenges. A diagnosis of cancer can create feelings of fear, sadness, and anger. Dealing with the physical symptoms of cancer and the side effects of treatment and surgery can bring further stress.
A support system can help with these feelings of fear and isolation. Staying as active as possible, getting consistent sleep, eating a healthy diet, and managing stress are important to maintaining both mental and physical health.
A Word From Verywell
Learning you or a loved one has been diagnosed with chest wall cancer can be a scary and emotional time. Know that your treatment team has expertise in treating cancer and has your best interest and well-being in mind. They are available to address your questions and concerns.
3 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.David EA, Marshall MB.Review of chest wall tumors: a diagnostic, therapeutic, and reconstructive challenge.Semin Plast Surg. 2011;25(1):16-24. doi:10.1055/s-0031-1275167Shah AA, D’Amico TA.Primary chest wall tumors.J Amer Coll Surgeons. 2009;210(3):360-366. doi:10.1016/j.jamcollsurg.2009.11.012University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center.Chest wall tumors.
3 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.David EA, Marshall MB.Review of chest wall tumors: a diagnostic, therapeutic, and reconstructive challenge.Semin Plast Surg. 2011;25(1):16-24. doi:10.1055/s-0031-1275167Shah AA, D’Amico TA.Primary chest wall tumors.J Amer Coll Surgeons. 2009;210(3):360-366. doi:10.1016/j.jamcollsurg.2009.11.012University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center.Chest wall tumors.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
David EA, Marshall MB.Review of chest wall tumors: a diagnostic, therapeutic, and reconstructive challenge.Semin Plast Surg. 2011;25(1):16-24. doi:10.1055/s-0031-1275167Shah AA, D’Amico TA.Primary chest wall tumors.J Amer Coll Surgeons. 2009;210(3):360-366. doi:10.1016/j.jamcollsurg.2009.11.012University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center.Chest wall tumors.
David EA, Marshall MB.Review of chest wall tumors: a diagnostic, therapeutic, and reconstructive challenge.Semin Plast Surg. 2011;25(1):16-24. doi:10.1055/s-0031-1275167
Shah AA, D’Amico TA.Primary chest wall tumors.J Amer Coll Surgeons. 2009;210(3):360-366. doi:10.1016/j.jamcollsurg.2009.11.012
University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center.Chest wall tumors.
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