sternum cancer

What is Sternum Cancer?

Sternum cancer, also known as sternal cancer or chest wall cancer, refers to a type of malignant tumor that affects the sternum, which is the long flat bone in the center front of the chest wall. This rare and aggressive form of cancer can be primary (originating from the sternum itself) or metastatic (spreading from another site in the body).

Types of Sternum Cancer

Primary malignant tumors of the sternum generally fall into two categories: solid tumors, which include primary bony or cartilaginous tumors and soft tissue tumors. The prognosis for these types of cancer is generally more serious since they can spread to other organs and affect survival.

Symptoms and Causes

Sternum cancer can present with a rapidly enlarging painful mass, with or without a history of radiation exposure. Symptoms will depend on the type of tumor, but most present with swelling or chest pain. Tumors originating from cartilage or bone may be found incidentally during imaging studies for unrelated reasons.

Treatment and Survival Rate

Surgery is typically used in conjunction with other treatments such as chemotherapy to treat sternum cancer. The prognosis for this type of cancer depends on the specific type, cell differentiation, and stage. Sarcomas have been the most well-studied chest wall tumors, and primary chest wall sarcomas have a reported 5-year survival rate of 17 percent.

Prevalence

Primary chest wall tumors are relatively uncommon and represent only 1% to 2% of all primary neoplasms. More than half of all chest wall tumors represent metastases from different sites or local invasion of adjacent tumors.

References:

• [3] Patients with osteosarcoma of the sternum typically present with a rapidly enlarging painful mass, with or without a history of radiation exposure.
• [8] Primary malignant tumors of the sternum generally fall into two categories: solid tumors, which include primary bony or cartilaginous tumors and soft tissue tumors.
• [13] The cancer is resected and the chest wall is reconstructed. Request an Appointment. Chest Wall Tumor Survival Rate.
• [14] Chest wall masses can be divided into three main categories: malignant, benign, and nonneoplastic. More than half of all chest wall tumors represent metastases from different sites or local invasion of adjacent tumors.