Rib desmoplastic fibroblastoma: Video-assisted resection

Area of Science:

• Thoracic surgery
• Surgical pathology
• Oncology

Background:

• Chronic chest pain can indicate various thoracic pathologies.
• Imaging is crucial for diagnosing chest wall abnormalities.
• Rare tumors pose diagnostic challenges.

Observation:

• A computed tomography scan revealed an exophytic mass on the 5th rib.
• The lesion projected onto the middle lobule, raising concerns for lung involvement.
• Exploratory videothoracoscopy was performed for diagnosis and treatment.

Findings:

• A corneal-like lesion was identified originating from the inner aspect of the 5th rib.
• Histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of desmoplastic fibroblastoma.
• This represents the first reported instance of a desmoplastic fibroblastoma arising from a rib.

Implications:

• This case expands the known anatomical locations for desmoplastic fibroblastoma.
• It underscores the importance of considering rare tumors in chest wall lesion diagnostics.
• Further research may clarify the etiology and behavior of rib-associated desmoplastic fibroblastomas.