Problems of the Chest Wall

Chest wall tumors are uncommon and pose problems with both diagnosis and management. While the lesions are often apparent on physical examination or on imaging studies, a firm diagnosis may require an open, rather than needle, biopsy. Chest wall resection, with or without removal of adjacent lung tissue, can be treated without surgery. Chest wall reconstruction may require the placement of prosthetic materials and the rotation of muscle flaps to create cosmetically acceptable and functional results.

The members of the Division of Thoracic Surgery have experience in addressing all problems that can occur in the chest wall, including:

• Chest wall resection and reconstruction
• Chest wall tumors
• Chest wall deformities
      o Pectus carinatum
      o Pectus Excavatum
      o Rib Fractures
• Chest wall infections

Treatments

• Chest wall resection and reconstruction