Cancer Care
From diagnosis and throughout treatment, Main Line Health cancer specialists (oncologists) provide compassionate care for you and your loved ones through all stages of cancer treatment.
Chest Wall Cancer
What is chest wall cancer?
Cancer of the chest wall may arise from a primary malignant tumor, meaning one that forms in the chest wall area itself, or from a metastatic malignant tumor that started in another area and then spread to the chest. Cancer in nearby breast or lung, for example, is sometimes more likely to invade the chest wall. More than 50 percent of malignant chest wall tumors are metastatic.
Primary chest wall tumors are predominantly sarcomas, malignant tumors that form in the bone, soft tissue and skeletal muscle in the chest area.
Symptoms of chest wall cancer
Tumors in the bone and cartilage of the chest wall are usually painful. If you have a soft-tissue tumor, however, you may not feel any symptoms until the tumor advances and starts to cause pain. Look for these additional symptoms:
- Pressure or soreness in the chest area
- A visible lump on the chest
- Difficulty taking a deep breath (chest constriction)
There are no known causes of chest wall cancer other than the possible relationship between this type of cancer and dietary and lifestyle choices.
Diagnosis and testing for chest wall cancer
The only way to determine if you have chest wall cancer is to get certain tests performed. Commonly, your doctor may order:
- An X-ray (to determine that there is an abnormal mass)
- A CT scan or MRI (to further understand if tumor is primary or metastatic)
- A biopsy (to determine whether the tumor is benign or malignant)
Chest wall cancer treatment options
Depending on whether the tumor is primary or metastatic, and taking into consideration other factors relating to your age and overall health, a combination of treatments may include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.
Our oncology team at Main Line Health has vast expertise in diagnosing and treating this rare form of cancer. If your symptoms are concerning you, get in touch with us.
Thoracic Surgery
The thoracic surgeons at Main Line Health offer comprehensive diagnosis and treatment for every type of thoracic condition, including lung and esophageal cancer.
Lung and Thoracic
Main Line Health experts use the latest technology to diagnose and treat all types of conditions affecting the chest, lungs and esophagus.
Cancer Survivorship Services
With advances in medicine, millions of people are living with cancer than ever before. For that reason, we established The Survivorship Program—a program designed to help patients transition to life following treatment, by alleviating some of their common concerns.
Hematology and Blood Disorders
Whether you are fighting cancer or managing a blood disorder, the hematologists and oncologists at Main Line Health offer the comprehensive care you need.
Breast Cancer Program
Serving the Philadelphia region with advanced breast cancer treatment and therapies, and coordinated, compassionate care from screening through survivorship.