FOUR RESECTED CASES OF NEUROGEMC TUMORS IN THE CHEST WALL

REVIEW OF 38 CASES IN THE JAPANESE LITERATURE

Abstract

Neurogenic tumor arising in the chest wall is rare and only 34 cases have been reported in Japan. We experienced four cases of neurogenic tumor (3 schwannoma, one ganglioneuroma) of the chest wall during the past 4 years.
Simple X-ray film and CT of the chest are available diagnostic methods and in the 4 cases abnormal shadows were observed in the chest simple film. While CT is good at differentiating whether a lesion is intrapulmonary or extrapulmonary, as well as knowing a relation with surrounding tissues. However, needle biopsy and perioperative histological examinations often failed to offer a satisfactory outcome in differentiating benign neurogenic tumor from malignant one, accordingly active surgical resection appears to be first recommended for the tumor arising in the chest wall.