Huge myxoid chondrosarcoma expanded into the thoracic cavity with spinal involvement

Abstract

Purpose: En bloc resection is the treatment of choice of myxoid chondrosarcoma. These tumors can produce huge masses. Anatomical constraints limit the possibility to perform en bloc resection in the spine. Methods: A very huge myxoid chondrosarcoma (14.2 × 10.8 × 11.4 cm) arising from T2 to T5 and invading the whole higher left pleural cavity was observed. Surgical planning according to WBB staging system was performed. Results: The tumor was successfully submitted to en bloc resection achieving a tumor-free margin as demonstrated by the pathologist’s report. Conclusions: A careful planning and a multidisciplinary collaboration make possible to perform en bloc resection even in apparently impossible cases.