Abstract:

Objective To summarize the experience in the treatment of giant primary chest wall tumors. Methods Twenty-three patients with giant primary chest wall tumors undergoing surgical treatment were selected, and different operative incisions were determined according to lesion locations. Subcapsular tumors were isolated under the envelope, while tumors without envelope or tumors extending into mediastinum and chest wall were separated by sharp and blunt dissection according to anatomical structures before complete excision. Involved tissues such as pericardium and lung were cut off, while the unaffected soft tissues of chest wall were reserved as much as possible. The materials for chest wall repair included thigh fascia lata, Dacron patch and mesh-like titanium alloy plate. Results The resected tumors ranged between 10 cm to 26 cm in diameter, with an average of (15.43±4.83) cm. There were 18 cases of malignant tumors and 5 cases of benign tumors, and all were treated by complete tumor excision, with chest wall repair performed in 12 cases. No postoperative complications occurred. The mean length of hospital stay was (9.91±2.56) d. Conclusion Good knowledge of pulmonary function and relationship between tumors and adjacent organs before operation, optimal surgical approach, and proper materials for repair are the keys to successful surgical treatment for giant primary chest wall tumors.

Key words: giant primary chest wall tumor, surgical therapy, chest wall repair