Large rib osteochondroma in a child in Aleppo, Syria.

Background: Osteochondromas are the most common tumors of the long bones in children. Osteochondromas can rarely be seen in the chest wall and they are usually diagnosed at a young age. They can be sporadic or part of the hereditary multiple exostoses.

Case presentation: We report a 12-year-old boy, who presented with a hard and large mass in the chest wall. The mass grew slowly after the original resection. Diagnosis and treatment were delayed because of the war. Radiological examination showed a large calcified tumor pushing the upper lung lobe. He was treated surgically. Pathology confirmed the diagnosis of an osteochondroma with no evidence of malignancy.

Conclusion: Osteochondroma occur most frequently in long bones next to the metaphysic. These tumors can also develop in unusual sites. Wide total excision with negative margins is important to prevent recurrence.