Case of an unusual clinical and radiological presentation of pulmonary metastasis from a costal chondrosarcoma after wide surgical resection: a transbronchial biopsy is recommended

World J Surg Oncol. 2011 May 16:9:50. doi: 10.1186/1477-7819-9-50.

Abstract

Chondrosarcomas are the most frequently occurring primary malignant chest wall tumors. Furthermore, the lungs serve as the most frequent sites for metastases. Pulmonary metastases from sarcomas usually appear as round nodules of varying sizes on roentgenograms. Here, we report an unusual clinical and radiographic presentation of pulmonary metastasis from a costal chondrosarcoma. Bilateral pulmonary metastases developed soon after wide surgical resection. Thoracic computed tomography revealed unusual radiological findings: consolidation accompanied with ground-glass opacity. To confirm the metastasis, we recommend a transbronchial biopsy in cases where unusual pulmonary findings are detected.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Biopsy
  • Bone Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Bone Neoplasms / secondary
  • Bone Neoplasms / surgery
  • Bronchoscopy
  • Chondrosarcoma / diagnosis*
  • Chondrosarcoma / secondary
  • Chondrosarcoma / surgery
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lung / pathology*
  • Lung Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Lung Neoplasms / secondary
  • Ribs*
  • Thoracic Wall / surgery