[Second chondrosarcoma of the rib four years after the initial operation; report of a case]

Chondrosarcoma of rib origin is rare accounting for about 2% of all chondrosarcomas. A 63-year-old female with an anterior chest wall tumor was referred to our institution for surgical treatment of a 2nd chondrosarcoma in the right 2nd rib 4 years after the initial surgery for its primary lesion. Computed tomography (CT) showed a low density mass, 36 mm in diameter, arising from the 2nd rib. An extended excision of the chest wall including the tumor was performed followed by the reconstruction of the chest wall with double Marlex Mesh. As she had already undergone the reconstruction of the chest wall for its primary lesion, this reconstruction was her 2nd one. Nevertheless, her respiratory condition was well preserved with no significant chest deformity. Wide excision and reconstruction could be performed for the 2nd arising chondrosarcoma of the rib even after the initial lesion was already widely removed and reconstructed.