Osteochondroma of rib: A case report

Introduction

Osteochondroma (exostoses) is the result of dysplasia of the peripheral zone of the growth plate.3 Surgery is required if tumor formation occurs in adulthood. Such pathological bony outgrowths should always be resected in adults to avoid future complications.4

Case Report

A 40 yrs old male patient presented with swelling over Right side of lower chest wall near distal part of sternum since 3 yrs. Initially small sized swelling gradually increased in size to present status over 3 yrs. On examination- Swelling approximately 6 x 4 cm in size situated over anterior part of chest wall near distal most part of sternum on right side. It was firm Hard, non-pulsatile, non mobile. Skin over swelling was normal & freely mobile, No restriction of chest movements or difficulty in respiration.

Figure 1

X-ray—AP view and lateral view showing tumor

Figure 2

CT scan showing tumor

Patient was taken under General Anaesthesia in supine position. Incision taken directly over the swelling. Skin, subcut, muscle cut. Swelling was reached and removed completely from the surface of rib. Surface of rib was cauterized and bone wax was applied over cauterized area. As there was small rent in pleura, we put Foleys catheter as a chest drain. Romovac drain & Foleys catheter was removed after 2 day. Suture removal was done on 14^th day.

Figure 3

Incision taken directly over swelling

Figure 4

Wound showing tumor

Figure 5

Surface of rib cauterized and bone wax applied

Figure 6

Foleys catheter kept as chest drain as there was rent in pleura

Figure 7

Excised tumor

Figure 8

Postop 3 months

Discussion

Osteochondroma of ribs are exceedingly rare. They may present as swelling over the chest wall or as incidental finding on chest radiograph. It may occur as a solitary lesion or in the context of hereditary multiple exostoses (HME).1 Isolated lesions occur in infants, but are occasionally found in adults.

The radiographic appearance of an osteochondroma shows a smooth and lobulated surface; the deep aspect is generally well mineralized in a homogeneous manner. When the lesion is on a rib, in most cases the chest radiograph is not helpful in determining the exact site and location of the lesion. Computed tomography (CT) is the most sensitive examination to localize the lesion and to study its morphology and relationships with neighboring anatomical structures. CT scan is superior to radiography in identifying the unmineralized soft-tissue component of these lesions. This examination may yield useful information regarding tumor extension, which in turn may aid in surgical planning. CT scan also helps establish the nature of the lesions and differentiates between osteochondroma and chondrosarcoma, even if only biopsy gives us the exact knowledge of the lesion’s nature.

The exostoses are usually asymptomatic and complications are often the result of mechanical interference with neighboring anatomic structures.5, 6, 7 As the mediastinum and lungs move during respiration, the spurs of these exostoses could damage the adjacent structures; causing life threatening conditions such as pneumothorax by injuring the lung, or hemothorax by injuring the diaphragm, pleura or heart.8, 4 It is generally believed that the risk of malignant degeneration of an isolated lesion to chondrosarcoma is around 1%–2%.1, 3 Because of these future potential complications, it is always recommended to remove this tumor in adults.4

Source of Funding

None.

Conflict of Interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest.