Methods: We performed a retrospective study in 36 patients underwent surgery for the treatment of primary chest wall tumors at our clinic between 1992 and 2000.
Results: 12 patients were females, 24 were males, mean age was 54. In our serie, 61% of tumor localizations were on the ribs, 25% of them in soft tissue, 14% of them were localized at sternum. Majority of the malignant tumors were chondrosarcomas. These represented 36% and benign tumors as chondromas comprised for 8% of all chest wall tumors. For reconstruction autologous costal grafts, muscular flaps and synthetic grafts were used in the surgical procedures.Average hospital stay was 7.6 days. No postoperative mortality occured within our serie. Mean five year survival rate was 45% in the 18 cases whom could be followed up out of 28 malignant cases.
Conclusion: Early diagnosis and adequate resection is important for curative treatment in primary chest wall tumors.