Chondroma of the sternum growing in a pregnant patient: A case report

Abstract

Purpose: Benign tumors are known to grow or develop sometimes during pregnancy. We present a case report about a young woman with a growing sternal tumor. Methods: After her second pregnancy, a 32-year-old female presented with a rapid growing sternal tumor. Computed tomography (CT) scan revealed a tumor measuring 10 × 8 × 7 cm with an intrathoracic bulk, compressing the heart and the upper margin of the liver. Results: Resection of the tumor was performed uneventfully. Histologic examination of the resected mass revealed a chondroma. Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a huge sternal chon­droma growing in a pregnant patient. There is not often a need to treat these patients before delivery, however, thereafter surgical treatment of growing tumors is recommended.