Rare chondroblastoma of the 6th left rib, video-assisted thoracoscopy resected: one case report and literature review

Chondroblastoma is a rare, benign locally but aggressive bone tumor. It accounts for < 1% of primary bony tumors, and mostly arises from long bones; the rib chondroblastoma is especial rare. Due to its rarity, there are no definitive or standard treatment guidelines.

A case of a 24-year-old male with a chondroblastoma located on the 6th posterior left rib. Computed tomography (CT) demonstrated a rib tumor that was a well-defined oval lesion of 20 mm × 18 mm, with lytic bone destruction. The imaging first diagnosis was Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH), a giant cell tumor, or other type of neoplasm. The whole tumor and a part of partial rib were resected by video-assisted thoracoscopy surgery (VATS). Pathological and immunohistochemical (IHC) examination made a diagnosis of chondroblastoma. Compared with traditional open thoracic surgery, VATS can achieve the same effects and cause less injury to patient. No postoperative adjuvant therapy was given, and had followed up 23 months after surgery, there was no recurrence or metastasis.

Chondroblastoma has a risk of recurrence and metastasis, surgery plays an important role in the treatment of chondroblastoma, VATS can achieve the same outcome as traditional open thoracic surgery with less pain and lung function. Close follow-up is needed postoperative.