[Surgical therapy of primary chest wall tumors--experiences with 98 patients]

Between 1973 and 1985, 98 patients with primary tumor of the chest wall have been operated at the Clinic for Thoracic Medicine in Heidelberg Rohrbach. 71 tumors were benign, 27 malignant. Three objectives have priority in surgical therapy: 1) complete (wide) resection of tumor, 2) reconstruction of the chest wall to allow adequate spontaneous ventilation, and 3) cosmetically acceptable coverage with integument. Today almost any defect caused by resection can be repaired. Coverage of the defect with Marlex mesh is recommended. Long-time prognosis depends on the primary disease. Functional and cosmetic results are very satisfactory.