Sternal condrosarcoma and poststernectomy complications

Abstract

Florin Mihaltan1, Ioana Munteanu1, Mihaela Trenchea1, Camelia Badescu1, Oana Cristina Arghir2, Dan Ulmeanu3, Paul Galbenu1

1 Institutul National de Pneumologie "Marius Nasta" Bucuresti
2Spitalul Clinic Pneumoftiziologie Constanta
3 Spitalul Elias Bucuresti - Chirurgie toracica

Contact: Florin Mihaltan, mihaltan@starnets.ro

ABSTRACT

Primary tumors of the sternum are unusual, and, of these chondrosarcoma is extremely rare1. Prior cases were more frequent in men. It is the consensus that central (axial) skeletal lesions are always suspected of malignancy. It is difficult to deduce from the roengenographic and pathologic findings the presence of a sternal tumor. This case report of primary sternal chondrosarcoma illustrated an extremely rare cartilaginous lesion in a male 64 years old. Extensive sternal excision was indicated despite the apparent benignity of the tumor. This aggressive surgical method facilitated the diagnosis of a malignant tumor with moderate cellular differentiation G2 chondrosarcoma. After surgery done, bilateral pleural empiema occurred.
Key words: chondrosarcoma, sternal tumors, pleural empiema, extensive sternal excision

Article