PRIMARY CHONDROSARCOMA OF RIB: RARE NEOPLASM WITH ATYPICAL PRESENTATION

Background:Chondrosarcoma is uncommon malignant tumor of rib can have atypical presentation based on age, gender and clinical features. However, Computed Tomography is imaging modality of choice and helps aids in diagnosis and guiding treatment.

Case Presentation: This was a case of 84 year old lady, who presented as a breast lump. Core needle biopsy gave the differential diagnosis Malignant phylloides with heterologous cartilaginous component, Primary chondroid sarcoma, Metaplastic carcinoma. However, imaging findings led to diagnosis of chondrosarcoma arising from right 4th rib and hence patient underwent en bloc excision of anterior chest wall with chest wall reconstruction. Final histopathology was suggestive of grade 2 chondrosarcoma with medial margin microscopically positive. Patient was kept on 2 monthly follow up after surgery without giving any adjuvant therapy or additional surgery. She was disease free at 6 months follow up.

Conclusion: The incidence of rib Chondrosarcoma is rare and presents a diagnostic challenge. Surgical management with wide local excision and reconstruction remains the treatment of choice.