Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 14, 2026
Surgical Swine Model of Chronic Cardiac Ischemia Treated by Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery
Published on: March 27, 2018
CASE REPORT Sternal Chondrosarcoma After Sternotomy for Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting
Vijay A Singh1, Juan Abreu, Kimberly Bowman
1Cardiothoracic Surgery Department.
Insights
A rare sternal chondrosarcoma developed in a patient 4 years after cardiac surgery. Wide surgical excision is crucial for potentially curing these uncommon primary sternal sarcomas.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Surgical Pathology
- Cardiothoracic Surgery
Background:
- Primary bony tumors of the chest wall are typically benign, with ribs and sternum being common sites.
- Sternal chondrosarcoma is a rare primary malignancy of the chest wall.
- Post-sternotomy chondrosarcoma is exceptionally rare.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a rare case of sternal chondrosarcoma.
- To highlight the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges of post-sternotomy sternal tumors.
Main Methods:
- A patient presented with a rapidly enlarging sternal mass 4 years post-coronary artery bypass grafting.
- Diagnostic imaging included computed tomographic (CT) scan and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
- Surgical excision of the sternal mass was performed.
Main Results:
- Imaging revealed an 8.4 × 6.2 × 8.6 cm complex solid mass originating from the sternal manubrium with extensive bone destruction.
- Biopsy results were initially inconclusive (cells of uncertain significance).
- Histopathological diagnosis confirmed a grade II chondrosarcoma.
Conclusions:
- Primary sternal sarcomas, though uncommon, are potentially curable with adequate surgical resection.
- Treatment success and recurrence risk are dependent on tumor histology and grade.
Objective:
Primary bony tumors of the chest wall are usually benign and most commonly located in the ribs or sternum. Chondrosarcoma is regarded as one of the most frequent primary malignancies of the chest wall and its incidence after a sternotomy for a cardiac procedure is extremely rare. We present a case of sternal chondrosarcoma.
Methods:
The patient presented with a sternal mass 4 years after undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting for ischemic coronary artery disease. The mass originally emanated from the upper portion of the patients' sternum and then rapidly enlarged to include the anterior aspects of his neck. Radiologic imaging studies were undertaken: computed tomographic scan and magnetic resonance imaging, with surgical intervention for excision.
Results:
Computed tomographic scan and magnetic resonance imaging established an 8.4 × 6.2 × 8.6 cm(3) complex solid tissue mass within the lower neck arising from the sternal manubrium, with extensive bone destruction. Computed tomography-guided biopsy showed cells of uncertain significance. Surgical excision was performed and the mass was diagnosed as a grade II chondrosarcoma.
Discussion:
Primary sarcomas of the sternum though uncommon are potentially curable with wide surgical excision. Success depends on tumor histologic type and grade, which dictate recurrence.
