Surgical treatment of chondrosarcoma of the sternum

We reviewed all tumours of the sternum referred to The London Bone and Soft Tissue Tumour Service between 1956 and 1997 inclusive.

There were eight patients with this pathology, the male to female ratio was 3:1 and their mean age was 53 years. Of these patients, three are alive and disease free, one is alive with recurrence, and four have died, two of the consequences of the disease and two of unrelated causes. Surgery is the principal treatment of these tumours both for excision and subsequent reconstruction.

Extended disease-free survival is possible with correct diagnosis, complete excision at the first operation, appropriate skeletal reconstruction, adequate skin cover and appropriate postoperative support and follow-up.