MR Imaging of Chest Wall Tumors

Tumors of the chest wall are uncommon lesions that represent approximately 5% of all thoracic malignancies. These tumors comprise a heterogeneous group of neoplasms that may arise from osseous structures or soft tissues and may be malignant or benign. Most chest wall neoplasms are malignant and include lesions that secondarily involve the chest wall via direct invasion or metastasis from intrathoracic tumors or arise as primary tumors. More than 20% of lesions may be detected on chest radiography. This review focuses on key features of malignant and benign chest wall tumors (primary and secondary) on MR imaging examinations.