Secondary chondrosarcoma arising from a giant rib osteochondroma: case report
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.63688/ma53wj87Keywords:
Osteochondroma, Chondrosarcoma, Secondary, Ribs, PediatricsAbstract
Introduction: Osteochondroma is one of the most common benign bone tumors, but its costal location and giant presentation are extremely rare. Although malignant transformation to secondary chondrosarcoma is uncommon, the clinical risk requires special attention in the axial skeleton. This paper describes the case of a pediatric patient with a giant costal lesion that underwent malignant transformation.
Methodology: An observational, descriptive, and retrospective case report study was conducted on a seven-year-old patient. Medical records, imaging studies such as three-dimensional computed tomography, and histopathological reports were comprehensively reviewed. Treatment consisted of en-bloc surgical resection via costal segmentectomy.
Results: A 7-year-old male presented with a palpable mass on the left rib cage of 4 years of evolution causing chest asymmetry. Following en-bloc resection of the approximately 8 cm mass, the definitive histopathological study revealed a grade 1 chondrosarcoma. An intraoperative pneumothorax occurred as a complication requiring a chest drainage tube, achieving subsequent clinical stability for the patient.
Conclusions: Malignant transformation of a benign osteochondroma to secondary chondrosarcoma can occur in pediatric patients with giant costal lesions. Complete en-bloc surgical resection is essential for a definitive diagnosis and oncological control, requiring a strict clinical, radiological, and histopathological correlation
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Copyright (c) 2026 Christian Abraham Orellana Franco, John Joseph Guananga Castro, Juan Pablo Buenaño Proaño, Génesis Andrea Guapisaca Avilés, Cristel del Cisne Márquez Jiménez (Autor/a)
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