Secondary chondrosarcoma is a tumor arising in a benign precursor lesion, either an osteochondroma or an enchondroma [1]. The risk of chondrosarcoma in a solitary osteochondroma has been reported to be 2%, and 5–25% in osteochondromatosis [2] [3] [4]. Secondary chondrosarcoma have a predilection for flat bones and is more frequently observed in the third decade of life, compared with chondrosarcoma arising de novo in which the peak incidence is within the fourth to the sixth decade [5]. We present a young patient with multiple exostoses who had a rare location of secondary chondrosarcoma arising on the first right rib and we discuss the causal relationship between the two lesions on the basis of the radiological and pathological findings.

A 19-year-old male patient presented four months ago with intermittent and progressively increasing chest pain associated to a fever and multiple subcutaneous nodes. The past medical history of our patient was remarkable for a previously noted cartilaginous exostosis in multiple long bones. His family history revealed multiple cervical bony lesions in her sister; who had been operated 4 years ago. Physical examination revealed multiple bony swelling at the metaphysic ends of all long bones. A large (4 cm) firm and slightly tender mass was palpated in the right infraclavicular area. The mass seemed to be attached to the first rib without extension to the overlying skin. Chest X-ray showed a bony and heterogeneous lesion developed in the first right rib, irregularly shaped and measuring 4 cm (Figure 1A).

Computed tomography (CT) scan showed a degenerated exostosis of the first rib associated with multiple axillary lymph nodes and subcutaneous nodes (Figure 1B). This process was highly suggestive of a malignant process. Subsequently, the anterior arc of the rib was excised en-bloc with a layer of soft tissue. Grossly, the rib measured 7x2x1.5 cm and was centered by a tumor which had a hard consistency (Figure 1C). Microscopic examination showed a malignant and well differentiated cartilage proliferation consisting in irregularly shaped lobules of cartilage separated by fibrous bands (Figure 1D). This proliferation permeates bony trabeculae, cartilage cap and surrounding soft tissues. Within the tumor, the cellularity was mildly increased. The chondrocytes showed varied size and shape (Figure 1E-F). No mitotic figures were present. Extensive calcifications were seen. Some specimen showed lesions of osteochondroma consisting from the outside to the inside in fibrous bands, cartilage cap with cells without atypical figures and a bony trabeculae tissue. The final diagnosis retained was a grade I chondrosarcoma arising from an osteochondroma.

Osteochondromas are the most common benign bone tumors that occur in approximately 3% of the population with predominance in young male adults [1] [2]. Patients usually remain asymptomatic [2] [5] [6]. These tumors are often solitary cartilaginous exostoses located in the distal femur, the proximal tibia or fibula, or the proximal humerus [2] [7]. They may also arise as multiple lesions within the scope of the hereditary multiple exostoses disorder or gene-deletion syndromes [2]. Most lesions stagnate and ossify when skeletal growth is complete, but occasionally, they might grow more aggressively into a low-grade chondrosarcoma [2] [7]. Almost one-third of all chondrosarcomas arise secondarily [2]. Uncommon before 20 years, secondary chondrosarcoma arise mainly after 40 years [2] [5]. Any portion of the skeleton may be involved. However, the pelvis and shoulder girdle bones are more frequently affected [1] [3][8] [9]. Costal localization, like our case, is an unusual site for this tumor. Less than 20 costal chondrosarcoma secondary to osteochondroma have been reported in English literature. Secondary chondrosarcoma is suspected by growth of the tumor after puberty, the presence of pain, or a thickness over 1 cm of the cartilaginous cap in adults [4] [5]. In our case, the patient noticed a growing painful mass. The CT scan is helpful for delineating the thickness of the cartilage cap and the search of a cortical destruction [10]. In our case, chest X-ray and CT scan showed a suspected lesion at the bottom of a cartilaginous exostosis with irregular cartilage cap. Although the importance of clinical and radiologic data, the diagnosis is based on histopathological findings. Means of diagnosis for microscopic analysis are still debated. Some authors suggest per cutaneous biopsy, but others prefer, a large resection of the tumor. The latter approach allows a better analysis of the entire lesion with the resection margins and minimizes the risk of metastasis and recurrences [5]. Grossly, chondrosarcoma secondary to osteochondroma are characterized by a thickness superior to 2 cm. These lesions are generally lobulated and usually show cystic cavities. Secondary chondrosarcoma is usually very myxoid and hence appears mucoid. This contrasts with the solid blue matrix of the areas of chondromatosis. Microscopically, secondary chondrosarcoma is frequently low-grade tumor with few regular cells. Invasion of the surrounding tissues and marked myxoid change in the matrix are helpful diagnostic features [1]. The treatment of secondary chondrosarcoma is based on a wide surgical excision [3] [5]. Adequate removal of the tumor including the upon and underlying intercostal spaces with resection margin of 4 cm is required for treatment and prevention from local recurrence [5]. In our case the resection margins were tumoral, that's why, and a resection of the second rib is planned. Adjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy are mainly used for the treatment of inoperable patient or in case of recurrence [3] [5]. The quality of resection is the most relevant prognostic factor [3] [5]. However, other prognostic factors are evocated such as the grade of the tumor, its site and the lesion cutting [5]. Recent estimates suggest a lifetime risk of about 2–4% [7] [9]. A prolonged survey is necessary because the recovery of chondrosarcoma cannot be asserted before 10 years of follow-up.

Secondary chondrosarcoma complicating a benign lesion such as osteochondroma has been rarely reported in the rib. We aim to highlight the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges of this tumor. By describing a new case of secondary costal chondrosarcoma. In fact, the diagnosis is based on histopathological examination but clinical and radiologic findings are helpful in showing the malignant nature of the tumor. Although based mainly on surgical treatment, the management of these tumors remains difficult necessitating a narrow follow-up because the recovery can be ascertained only after 10 years.

Written consent was obtained from the patients for permission for the publication of this case report. Thank you for your attention to our paper.

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