Chest Wall Tumor Treatment
The chest cavity — which houses the lungs, heart and other vital body parts — is a bone-and-muscle cage framed by the sternum (breastplate), spine and ribs. It helps support breathing and movement of the upper arms and shoulders. Like any other part of the body, the walls of the chest cavity are susceptible to tumors.
Chest wall tumors are classified as either primary tumors, which originate in the bone or muscle of the chest wall, or secondary tumors which originate elsewhere in the body and spread (metastasize) to the chest wall. Virtually all secondary tumors are malignant.
Most chest wall tumors found in children are primary, while most found in adults are secondary. All of these tumors tend to be a lump on the chest wall surface or growth that invades the bone or muscle.
Why Choose Us for Chest Wall Tumor Treatment
Together with Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, we have the state’s only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, meeting the highest standards in cancer research, treatment, prevention and education in the nation. We offer the most advanced treatment options, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy and access to clinical trials, many of which are not available elsewhere.
New Jersey’s Largest Network of Cancer Specialists
We offer access to New Jersey’s largest network of cancer specialists, including nationally and internationally recognized oncologists, radiation oncologists, advanced practice nurses and oncology support professionals with advanced credentials in cancer specialty care with expertise in lung and thoracic cancers.
Our Oncology Nurse Navigators Will Guide You Through Your Cancer Journey
Oncology nurse navigators help secure appointments, coordinate follow-up visits related to treatments and procedures and guide you through aspects of survivorship.
To schedule an appointment with one of New Jersey’s best lung and thoracic cancer
specialists, call 844-CANCERNJ
or 844-226-2376.
What Causes Chest Wall Tumors?
While hereditary factors, diet and lifestyle choices may play a role in certain tumor types, there are no clear causes of tumors affecting the bones and muscles of the chest wall.
Chest Wall Tumor Symptoms
Chest wall tumor symptoms may include one or more of the following:
- A lump or bump protruding from the chest
- Pain around the chest area
- Swelling around the chest area
- Difficulty moving part of the chest
Symptoms may be confused with those of other conditions. It is important to see your doctor as soon as symptoms present so they can determine their cause.
Diagnosis of Chest Wall Tumors
Screenings are typically performed through a routine check-up even if no symptoms are present. Your doctor will also schedule a screening if you are showing any symptoms. Typically, based on your doctor’s assessment, you will have one or more of the following diagnostics tests and procedures:
- X-rays. Produces images of the bones.
- Computed tomography (CT scan). Produces detailed images of the bones, muscles, organs and blood vessels.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Produces detailed 3D images.
- Tissue biopsy. A sample of tissue is taken from the body so it can be examined more closely.
Chest Wall Tumor Treatment
There are many different approaches to treating chest wall tumors. The right option for you depends on where the tumor formed and what caused it. Some treatment options include medical and surgical procedures such as:
- Chemotherapy. Medicines or drugs are used to kill tumor cells.
- Radiation therapy. High-energy particles or waves, such as x-rays, gamma rays, electron beams, or protons, are used to destroy or damage cancer cells.
- Immunotherapy. Boosts the immune system so it can find and attack cancer cells.
- Ablation therapy. Thermal energy is used to heat or cool tumor cells to a level that kills them.
- Surgery. The cancer is resected and the chest wall is reconstructed.
Chest Wall Tumor Survival Rate
Chest wall tumor survival rate varies by cancer type, cell differentiation and stage. Sarcomas have been the most well-studied chest wall tumors and primary chest wall sarcomas have a reported 5-year survival rate of 17 percent. Chest wall tumor survival rate is better with early-stage disease.
To schedule an appointment with one of New Jersey’s best lung and thoracic cancer specialists, call 844-CANCERNJ or 844-226-2376.
