Excision of Chest Wall Tumors

Tumors on the chest wall cover the chest cavity, the cage of bone and muscle that holds the heart, lungs, and other vital organs. Chest wall tumors may be malignant or benign, but pain is the most common symptom. Chest wall tumors are rare.

While only about 5 percent of chest wall tumors are cancerous, even benign tumors can interfere with the body's proper functioning.

Chest wall tumors can develop from any soft tissue or bony structure. Lesions less than 5 centimeters typically undergo an excisional biopsy, where a surgeon removes the tumor, and if necessary, surrounding areas to reach the tumor. Following an excisional biopsy to remove the tumor, chest wall reconstruction might be required.