benign neoplasms

Last reviewed 01/2018

Most benign chest wall neoplasms are chondromas, usually in the ribs, less so in the sternum. Others include osteochondromas, bone cysts, fibrous dysplasia and eosinophilic granuloma.

Some present as a tender mass whilst others may show few symptoms or signs. In the chest wall, it is very difficult to distinguish benign from malignant neoplasm and generally, it is advised to regard the neoplasm as malignant until proven otherwise. Treatment is then by excision.