[Chondrosarcoma of the rib--a case report].

Chondrosarcoma is second in frequency only to osteogenic sarcoma as a malignant tumor of bone, and constitutes 17 to 22% of all bone tumors. However, chondrosarcoma is the most common malignant tumor of the sternum or rib. The natural history of chest wall chondrosarcoma is one of slow growth and local recurrence. Wide excision is the main treatment, but usually plastic surgery is needed for chest wall reconstruction. A 29-year-old male patient visited to local clinic due to URI symptoms (eg: cough, rhinorrhea). Routine chest X-ray examination showed a huge tumor within L't chest cavity and chondrosarcoma was proved via tissue biopsy. P't underwent surgery for total removal of the tumor and corresponding rib (3rd rib) and the chest wall defect was repaired with bovine pericardium. So far, after follow-up and treatment for 4 months, there is no evidence of recurrence.