Costal chondrosarcoma: 4 cases

BACKGROUND: Tumors of the rib cage are uncommon and malignant in 29% of the cases. Chondrosarcoma predominates, accounting for 40% of all cases of mal ignant costal tumors. CASE REPORTS: Four patients (3 women, 1 man, mean age 28.2 years) were hosp italized for costal chondrosarcoma. Pain and tumefaction dominated the clin ical presentation. Calcifications suggested the diagnosis in 3 cases. Curat ive surgery was performed in all cases. Postoperative radiotherapy was unab le to improve prognosis in 2 patients. DISCUSSION: Chondrosarcoma of the ribs is characterized by a strong potenti al for invasive extension. Diagnosis is suspected on the basis of imaging f indings and confirmed at pathology. Surgery is required. Chemotherapy and r adiotherapy do not improve prognosis significantly.