primary osteosarcoma of the sternum: a case report and review of the literature

osteosarcoma (osteogenic sarcoma: os) is the most common primary malignant bone tumor of long bones, whereas primary osteosarcoma of chest wall, especially in sternum, is extremely rare. we report a 57-year-old man with an immobile slow growing mass located in the middle of the sternum. the patient had no significant pain or tenderness and the past medical history was not remarkable. ct-scan showed a large densely sclerotic sternal mass and mri revealed an extensive central signal loss within the tumor because of necrosis. we performed a ct-guided needle biopsy, but it was inconclusive. after an incisional biopsy, a high-grade osteosarcoma of the sternum was diagnosed. the patient underwent subtotal sternal resection and reconstruction using synthetic mesh and bone cement followed by chemotherapy and external beam radiotherapy. after one year of follow-up, the patient is back to normal life and is doing the daily activities without problem. by this time, focal recurrence or metastatic disease did not occur.