What is a Chest Wall Tumor?
The chest wall is a cage of bone, cartilage and muscle that holds the lungs, heart, and other vital organs. chest wall tumors may be malignant (cancerous) or benign (non-cancerous). Only about five percent of chest wall tumors are found to be cancerous. Either type of tumor may interfere with the bodys functioning.
Symptoms
- Pain
- Swelling
- Impaired movement
- A lump or bump protruding from the chest
- Muscle atrophy
Causes of a Chest Wall Tumor?
It remains unclear what causes chest wall tumors.
Diagnosis
- General Physical examination
- Chest x-ray
- CT (computed tomography)
- MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan
- Biopsy from tumor
Treatment
Malignant chest wall tumors are treated with surgery,Radiation therapy, chemotherapy depending upon the stage of tumor.
Benign tumors are removed if they interfere with proper organ function, hinder movement, cause muscles to atrophy, or underlie unsightly exterior features.
After surgical resection often Reconstruction is done with myocutaneous flaps and prosthetic materials.