Osteochondroma of the Rib: a rare radiological apeareance

Osteochondromas (exostosis) are the most common neoplasm of bone and arise from the metaphysis of bones. Tumors of the chest wall comprise approximately 2% of all tumors of the body and may be primary or metastatic, benign or malignant. Osteochondroma is a common bone tumor but a rare tumor in the rib. It is often asymptomatic and observed incidentally. The tumors typically begin to grow before puberty and continue until bone maturation is reached. Surgery is required in childhood if these lesions are painful or disfiguring, while those arising in adulthood should always be resected.

9 yr old boy presented to OPD with swelling over right chest. Radiograph showed bony outgrowth on the lateral aspect of the 6th rib. The patient was kept under closed observation and was treated conservatively. Three years follow-up didn't show any increase in the size of the swelling and the patient did not have any complaints.

Though various studies have shown that the surgical resection of osteochondroma is necessary to avoid further complications of Haemothorax, pneumothorax or intercostal neuralgia, we concluded that osteochondroma of the ribs can even be conserved if not associated with complications and patient does not need to undergo unnecessary surgery.