Histopathological features of chest wall masses: a systematic review

Chest wall masses can be caused by trauma, infections, inflammation, or cancer. These tumors can be benign or malignant and originate from different structures of the chest wall. This systematic review aimed to investigate the histopathological characteristics of chest wall masses. The study followed the PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were searched for case series that reported the histopathological features of chest wall masses, without any restrictions on the date. The risk of bias was assessed using the JBI critical appraisal tools. Nine studies were included in the final review. Studies included a total of 1,279 patients with chest wall masses, with diverse age ranges. Biopsy methods such as fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB), cutting needle biopsy, and surgical resection biopsy were used to evaluate the pathology of the masses. The rate of malignancy in chest wall masses varied depending on the biopsy method used, ranging from 27.12% in needle biopsy to 47.16% in surgical resection biopsy. The overall rate of malignancy in chest wall tumors was 31.27%. About one-third of the chest wall masses are malignant, emphasizing the importance of accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment selection. Choosing the proper biopsy method is crucial for achieving successful outcomes and reducing mortality rates. Further research with larger sample sizes and improved reporting is needed to enhance our understanding of chest wall tumor pathology and improve patient outcomes.