Tumor growth beyond the disrupted bony cortex was a characteristic feature by both imagery and pathological examination in this case. This case represents a difficulty of a preoperative definite diagnosis of the chest wall tumors by imagery alone. Malignant fibrous histiocytoma, chondrosarcoma and rhabdomyosarcoma are common primary malignant tumors. Since chest wall tumors include various entities, their treatment depends on the condition of the lesion, such as histological type and location. Careful preoperative evaluation is indispensable for planning the treatment.
Hemangioma arising from a rib is a rare benign entity.
We report a case of hemangioma of the rib with radiographic findings which suggested malignant characteristics. Four years before this presentation, the mass had been incidentally found by a chest radiograph in a health survey and had been followed up as a fracture of the left seventh rib until this reference. The past histories of the patient and her family were unremarkable. All laboratory studies including serum tumor markers were normal. On physical examination, the lesion could be recognized as a dilatation of the left seventh rib.