Malignant Tumor of the Sternum Surgical Resection and Reconstruction in One Step: About a Case

Malignant primary tumors of the sternum are rare, and are difficult to treat due to the anatomical proximity to mediastinal vascular structures and the limited surgical margins that can be obtained. Wall reconstruction is the most difficult part of the treatment. Many techniques have been described, ranging from musculocutaneous flaps to increasingly sophisticated prostheses. The authors report a case of primary sternal tumor and the problems posed during parietal reconstruction. The diagnostic means in the evaluation of sternal masses have evolved considerably with the advent and evolution of the scanner and their definitive diagnosis is made by anatomopathology, thanks to surgical biopsy. We report a case of sternal tumor in a 37-year-old woman treated in our department and having benefited from a complete resection of the sternum removing the tumor with safety margins respected followed by reconstruction at the same operating time. The objective of this article is to present the fundamental principles of surgical treatment of sternum tumors, namely complete resection, satisfactory from a carcinological point of view; Maintenance of respiratory function by wall repair restoring sufficient wall rigidity and coverage by good quality tissues.