Chest Wall Tumors Flashcards
What is the definition of a chest wall tumour?
An abnormal proliferation of cells in the chest wall resulting in lumps, growths, or masses.
What is the incidence of chest wall tumours?
Fewer than 1 in 50 cases.
Are chest wall tumours more common in young or elderly individuals?
More commonly seen in the young.
What are the two major classifications of chest wall tumours?
Primary and metastatic.
What are the two main categories of chest wall tumours based on behavior?
Benign and malignant.
What are some common benign chest wall tumours?
Osteochondromas, chondromas, fibrous dysplasia, lipomas, eosinophilic granulomas.
What are some malignant chest wall tumours?
Sarcomas, osteosarcomas, small cell malignant tumours.
What are the most common types of chest wall tumours?
Chondromas, fibrous dysplasia, osteochondromas.
What are the components of the chest wall?
Bony structures, muscles, cartilage, nerves, blood vessels.
What is the primary function of the chest wall?
Protection of thoracic organs and assisting in respiration.
What is the etiology of chest wall tumours?
Unknown, but possibly genetic or environmental.
What are common symptoms of chest wall tumours?
Lumps, muscle atrophy, swelling, pain, tenderness, unexplained weight loss.
What is the first step in diagnosing a chest wall tumour?
Taking an adequate history.
What factors are considered in physical examination of a chest wall lump?
Site, consistency, rate of development.
What imaging is first-line for diagnosing chest wall tumours?
Chest radiograph (X-ray).
What radiological signs may be seen on a chest X-ray?
Calcifications, bone erosions, bone destruction.
What imaging modality is useful for assessing the extent of a chest wall lesion?
CT scan.
Which imaging technique is best for tissue characterization of chest wall tumours?
MRI.
How can MRI differentiate between tumour and inflammation?
By assessing tissue characteristics.
What biopsy techniques are used for diagnosing chest wall tumours?
Fine needle, core needle, incisional, or excisional biopsy.
What imaging modality is useful for staging chest wall tumours?
PET scan.
Why is PET scan useful in chest wall tumours?
It helps in staging and assessing treatment response.
What are the main treatment options for chest wall tumours?
Surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy.
What factors determine the choice of treatment for chest wall tumours?
Location, size, histology, stage of tumour, patient age, and comorbidities.
What is the primary treatment for most chest wall tumours?
Surgery.
What is the role of radiotherapy in chest wall tumours?
Used for malignant tumours, particularly when surgery is not possible.
What is the role of chemotherapy in chest wall tumours?
Used for aggressive or metastatic cases.
What type of biopsy is least invasive?
Fine needle aspiration biopsy.
Which tumour arises from cartilage in the chest wall?
Chondroma.
Which benign tumour is composed of fatty tissue?
Lipoma.
What is the most common malignant chest wall tumour?
Sarcoma.
Which tumour type has the worst prognosis?
Small cell malignant tumours.
What symptom differentiates benign from malignant chest wall tumours?
Malignant tumours often present with unexplained weight loss and pain.
What is a desmoid tumour?
A locally aggressive benign tumour that arises from fibrous tissue.
Which imaging technique is most useful for evaluating tumour invasion into surrounding structures?
MRI.
Why is early diagnosis important in malignant chest wall tumours?
To allow for early intervention and better prognosis.
What is fibrous dysplasia?
A benign condition where normal bone is replaced by fibrous tissue.
What is the purpose of core needle biopsy?
To obtain a larger tissue sample for accurate diagnosis.
What are cavernous hemangiomas?
Benign tumours of blood vessels.
What is lymphangioma?
A benign tumour of lymphatic vessels.
What is the most important prognostic factor in chest wall tumours?
Histological type and stage of the tumour.
What type of tumour is most likely to metastasize to the chest wall?
Breast, colon, lung, and prostate cancers.
What is the role of histology in managing chest wall tumours?
Determines malignancy and guides treatment.
What tumour type originates from bone?
Osteosarcoma.
What is the primary treatment for osteochondroma?
Surgical excision if symptomatic.
What is the main disadvantage of PET scans in tumour diagnosis?
High cost and false positives due to inflammation.
Which imaging modality is most sensitive for detecting small bone erosions?
CT scan.
Which age group is most affected by fibrous dysplasia?
Young individuals.
What is the role of excisional biopsy?
Complete removal of the tumour for both diagnosis and treatment.
What is the prognosis for benign chest wall tumours?
Generally excellent with surgical removal.
