INTRODUCTION: Osteoblastoma is a rare benign bone tumor commonly located at spine and long bones. However, rib involvement has been reported less frequently. PRESENTATION OF CASE: In this report, we describe a young adult male presenting with left posterolateral chest wall pain. Chest computed tomography showed a calcified tumor in the left third posterior segment of the rib. Radical mass resection was performed and histopathology confirmed a benign osteoblastoma. At last follow-up, 10 months postoperatively, the patient has eventually relieved of the unbearable chest pain. Imaging evaluation revealed no evidence of recurrent tumor. DISCUSSION: Osteoblastoma is an uncommon primary bone tumor accounting for only 1% of all bone tumors. Ribs are involved in less than 5% of patients. The disease has usually good prognosis with a tendency for local destruction and recurrence. CONCLUSION: Radical surgery remains the treatment of choice to prevent recurrences and to provide a definite diagnosis differentiating it from osteoblastoma-like osteosarcoma.
INTRODUCTION:Osteoblastoma is a rare benign bone tumor commonly located at spine and long bones. However, rib involvement has been reported less frequently. PRESENTATION OF CASE: In this report, we describe a young adult male presenting with left posterolateral chest wall pain. Chest computed tomography showed a calcified tumor in the left third posterior segment of the rib. Radical mass resection was performed and histopathology confirmed a benign osteoblastoma. At last follow-up, 10 months postoperatively, the patient has eventually relieved of the unbearable chest pain. Imaging evaluation revealed no evidence of recurrent tumor. DISCUSSION: Osteoblastoma is an uncommon primary bone tumor accounting for only 1% of all bone tumors. Ribs are involved in less than 5% of patients. The disease has usually good prognosis with a tendency for local destruction and recurrence. CONCLUSION: Radical surgery remains the treatment of choice to prevent recurrences and to provide a definite diagnosis differentiating it from osteoblastoma-like osteosarcoma.