[Shoulder tumor of startling appearance]

Chondrosarcoma is a malignant tumor of bone of mesenchymal origin which usually occurs in people after age 40 at the level of the pelvis and the shoulder. We report the case of a 65-year old female patient, with no particular past medical history, with impaired general condition, hospitalized for exploration of a large tumor of the right shoulder, evolving over 3 years. Clinical examination showed giant, humpbacked, hard, adherent tumor measuring 44 × 32 cm along its longer axis, with inflammatory signs associated with signs of vasculo-nervous compression. Radiological evaluation showed expansive, epiphyseal, metaphyseal, diaphyseal, heterogeneou, multilobulated, poorly differentiated, calcified tumoral process with complete destruction of the glenohumeral joint that extensively invaded the soft tissues with loco-regional extension. Histological examination of a deep biopsy specimen was in favor of poorly differentiated chondrosarcoma. Staging evaluation objectified bilateral axillary lymphadenopathies and multiple metastatic subpleural and hepatic nodules. The patient died after 2 months. This study highlights the role of awareness campaigns for early diagnosis and management.