Costal chondrosarcoma mimicking a breast cancer: Case report and review of literature

INTRODUCTION: Chondrosarcoma (CS) was the third most common primary bone malignancy. Frequently chondrosarcoma was occurring in long bones or in the pelvis. Their localization in the rib is rare. CASE PRESENTATION: A 45-year-old male presented to our institution with a lump in the left breast. A physical exam revealed a large, fixed 10 cm mass occupied the entire right breast. Clinical presentation had supposed initially as a sarcoma of the breast. Preoperative unenhanced CT imaging showed well-defined round heterogeneous soft tissue density with hypo dense areas. A core-needle biopsy was taken, which was suggestive of chondrosarcoma grade II. The whole tumor was excised en-bloc along with 4th, 5th and 6th ribs. Reconstruction of the defect was undertaken with polypropylene plate and ipsilateral pedicle latissimus dorsi muscle flap was placed on the alloplastic mesh. The patient had an uneventful postoperative course and was discharged on the 10th postoperative day. No adjuvant treatment was administrated. CONCLUSION: En-bloc resection with appropriate margins and thanks to the evolution of reconstructive surgical techniques used to ensure preservation of respiratory mechanics. All this procedure represents the cornerstone and the only curative option.