Chest wall tumors are benign or malignant growths that develop anywhere along your chest wall. Doctors use imaging tests and a biopsy to diagnose them. Surgery is often a needed treatment.

Chest wall tumors are rare types of growths that may be cancerous (malignant) or noncancerous (benign).

Your chest wall is a protective structure made of bones, cartilage, and tissues. It extends between your neck and abdominal area. Its main purpose is to protect vital organs such as your lungs, heart, and liver.

When tumors develop in the chest wall, they can be primary or secondary. Primary tumors are tumors that initially form in the chest wall. Secondary tumors are tumors that form in another area of your body and spread to the chest wall.

Experts estimate that less than 2% of people develop primary chest wall tumors, and between 50% and 80% of all chest tumors are malignant.

This article reviews potential symptoms, causes, and treatments for this condition. However, it’s worth noting that these can vary from individual to individual. Talk with a doctor if you have any concerns about potential tumors in your chest wall.

Chest wall tumors may cause the following symptoms:

  • pain
  • reduced movement
  • soreness
  • weakness

However, not all cases cause symptoms. In fact, roughly 20% of asymptomatic chest wall tumors are found on chest X-rays for other diagnostic purposes.

If you do have symptoms, you may feel weak and sore in your upper torso and find it difficult to move. In some cases, a lump may be felt by you or a doctor.

How aggressive are chest wall tumors?

The aggressive nature of chest wall tumors depends on whether they are malignant or benign, as well as their cell type.

Malignant chest wall tumors, which are more common in older adults, tend to develop quickly and have a less favorable outlook.

While the exact causes of chest wall tumors are unknown, this condition may have genetic and lifestyle components (such as smoking). The chances of malignant tumors also increase with age.

Having cancer is also a risk factor for secondary chest wall tumors. These can spread (metastasize) from the original site of cancer to your chest wall.

The most common malignant types of chest wall tumors include chondrosarcomas, which develop in the bones. Ewing sarcomas and soft tissue sarcomas are other common types.

Possible benign cases of chest wall tumors may be caused by:

Are preventive screenings recommended for people at high risk?

Chest wall tumors are sometimes incidental findings seen on X-rays ordered for other health conditions. That said, preventive imaging tests are not usually recommended for otherwise healthy adults.

On the other hand, follow-up screenings may be necessary to detect possible recurrence of malignant chest wall tumors. There may also be an exception if you have cancer elsewhere in the body and a doctor wants to rule out its spread to the chest wall.

A chest wall tumor diagnosis requires a physical examination, imaging tests, and a biopsy.

Upon a physical examination, a doctor may notice swelling or a lump in your chest wall area. They will check for these signs using light pressure with their hands. Other possible signs could include chest wall asymmetry or decreased breath sounds.

Next, imaging tests can help confirm a chest wall tumor and identify its exact location. This is most often done via chest X-rays and MRI.

Positron emission tomography (PET) is another imaging technique that can help a doctor stage the tumor.

The only way to confirm a chest wall tumor is through a biopsy. This involves taking a small sample of the tumor and sending it out to a lab for analysis. A biopsy can also differentiate between malignant and benign chest wall tumors.

The type of biopsy will depend on the size of the tumor. Fine needle aspiration may be used for tumors greater than 5 cm. Tumors smaller than 5 cm, on the other hand, may need to be surgically removed via an excisional biopsy.

At what stage are chest wall tumors typically found?

Given the numerous types and causes of chest wall tumors, there’s no average stage at which these tumors are typically found.

In general, malignant symptomatic tumors might indicate the cancer is at a more advanced stage. Early cancers do not usually cause pain.

Treatment for a chest wall tumor depends on the type and stage, but it usually involves a combination of surgery and postoperative therapies. This can involve the following options:

  • surgical resection (benign tumors)
  • tumor excision (malignant tumors)
  • cryosurgery (for chondrosarcomas)
  • chest wall reconstruction to prevent respiratory issues
  • chemotherapy or radiation therapy (malignant tumors)

The overall outlook for a chest wall tumor depends on whether it is malignant or benign. Developing a malignant secondary tumor may also affect outlook, as this is linked with cancer in another area of the body that has spread.

When diagnosed and treated early, primary chest wall tumors have an average 5-year relative survival rate of 60%. Recurrence, which can develop in about half of all cases, may also reduce the average survival rate.

Chest wall tumors are uncommon, but they can become problematic when left undetected. These types of tumors may be benign or malignant, and may require surgery or other treatments to remove them.

Sometimes chest wall tumors are asymptomatic, which means they do not have any symptoms. But if you do experience unexplained pain and weakness, it’s important to contact a doctor for an evaluation. The sooner these tumors are treated, the better the outcome, particularly if they are malignant.