Chest wall tumors and reconstruction A chest wall tumor is a mass of abnormal tissue that forms outside the lungs and heart. Treatment options for chest wal...
Chest wall tumors and reconstruction
A chest wall tumor is a mass of abnormal tissue that forms outside the lungs and heart. Treatment options for chest wall tumors include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy.
Types of chest wall tumors
There are several different types of chest wall tumors, including:
Carcinoma arises from cells that line the inside of the chest.
Sarcoma arises from cells that line the outside of the chest.
Lymphoma arises from cells in the chest that filter blood.
Angiosarcoma arises from blood vessels in the chest.
Surgery for chest wall tumors
Surgery is often the best treatment for chest wall tumors. The type of surgery that is performed depends on the type and size of the tumor, as well as the patient's overall health.
Thoracic surgery involves removing the entire tumor and any surrounding tissue.
Minimally invasive surgery involves making small incisions and using laparoscopic tools to remove the tumor.
Regional resection involves removing the tumor and a small margin of surrounding tissue.
Post-surgical care
After surgery, patients will need to stay in the hospital for several days. They will receive pain medication to manage discomfort, and they will need to avoid strenuous activity. They will also need to follow up with their doctor regularly to check on their progress.
Radiation therapy for chest wall tumors
Radiation therapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses high-energy X-rays or other forms of radiation to kill cancer cells. Radiation therapy can be used before or after surgery to shrink the tumor and kill any remaining cancer cells.
Chemotherapy for chest wall tumors
Chemotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses drugs to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy can be used before or after surgery to shrink the tumor and kill any remaining cancer cells.
Targeted therapy for chest wall tumors
Targeted therapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses drugs that target specific molecules that are involved in the growth and survival of cancer cells. Targeted therapy can be used before or after surgery to shrink the tumor and kill any remaining cancer cells