Chest wall neoplasms and their management

Although uncommon, primary and metastatic neoplasms can occur in the chest wall. For malignant neoplasms, the potential for cure depends on the completeness of resection, histologic type, and tumor stage. Each patient warrants individual evaluation for chest wall resection. Operative selection is based on the potential benefits, operative feasibility, patient health, and anticipated tumor biology. The choice of reconstruction techniques is based on the tumor's location, the size of the remaining defect, and the availability of autogenous graft materials. Skeletal and soft tissue reconstruction can be performed safely in a single stage.