Tumours involving the chest wall — whether arising primarily in the bone and soft tissue, or spreading from a lung, breast, or pleural cancer — present a distinct surgical challenge. The chest wall isn’t just a covering; it’s the structural framework that protects the heart and lungs and drives the mechanics of breathing. Removing a tumour here safely means planning resection and reconstruction together, from the outset, as a single coordinated operation.

Care begins with detailed imaging — CT and MRI — to map the tumour’s extent and its relationship to the ribs, sternum, and underlying lung or pleura, along with biopsy to confirm diagnosis. Surgical resection is planned around a margin of healthy tissue, removing the affected ribs, sternum, or soft tissue as needed. Where the resulting defect is large enough to compromise chest wall stability or breathing mechanics, reconstruction using prosthetic mesh, rigid plating, or tissue flaps restores structural integrity in the same sitting.

Because chest wall tumours often arise as part of a broader thoracic, breast, or sarcoma diagnosis, every case is discussed within a multidisciplinary tumour board — thoracic surgery, surgical oncology, plastic and reconstructive surgery, medical oncology, and radiation oncology working together to shape a plan that treats the cancer while preserving breathing and physical wellbeing.