A rare case of rib chondroma in a 71-year-old man

Introduction: Primary chest wall tumors are several different types of neoplasms that originate from the bone, soft tissue, or cartilage of the chest wall. These tumors are uncommon, affecting about 2% of the population and accounting for approximately 5% of all thoracic neoplasms. Because of their infrequency and lack of particular symptoms, rib chondromas provide a diagnostic difficulty. Chondromas are non-cancerous growths constructed up of fully developed hyaline cartilage. Case: A 71- year old male was admitted to the hospital with complaints of palpable mass in the lower chest that has been felt since three months ago. At first the mass felt small but grew to ball size, complaints accompanied by intermittent pain in the left chest, intermittent shortness of breath. Clinical examination showed a firm mass of about 18 × 12 cm over the anterior aspect of left chest wall below mammae and extending up to abdomen cavity. The mass was having an irregular surface on palpation. A computer Tomography (CT) Scan demonstrated a solid tumor mass with calcification inside in the left anterior hemithorax. It is located in the anterior mediastinum extending to the left anterior chest wall and to the left abdominal cavity. The tumor mass destroys the left anterior ribs 5, 6, and 7. The size of the tumor was 13.65x8.39x18.31cm. Core biopsy showed proliferation of chondroblast cells, clustered, lobulated, calcified, generally hyperchromatic nuclei, histiocytic giant cells, vacuolated cells, resembling lipoblasts. The patient is now on outpatient follow-up and hemodynamically stable with no recurrence of symptoms. Despite being benign, rib chondromas can present serious surgical risks and problems. Conclusion: A combination of imaging techniques, clinical assessment, and biopsy-based histopathological examination can help determine the best course of treatment and management for rib chondroma.