Anteriorly Located Rib Osteoblastoma: Case Report

Abstract

Rib osteoblastoma is a rare benign osteogenic tumor that has the potential to transform into a malignant form. Case Presentation: This case report describes a 20-year-old female patient who presented with a hard, tender swelling on the left side of her chest wall. Her primary complaint was persistent chest pain. A chest computed tomography (CT) scan showed a well-defined, destructive bony lesion situated at the anterior aspect of the left third rib. An ultrasound-guided true-cut needle biopsy proved challenging and inconclusive; however, it suggested the possibility of osteosarcoma. A fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography-computed tomography (FDG-PET CT) scan showed that the tumor was metabolically active, with a maximum standardized uptake value (SUV max) of 6.8. The patient then underwent tumor resection and experienced an uneventful postoperative recovery. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of rib osteoblastoma. Six months after the surgery, a follow-up chest CT scan showed no evidence of recurrence. Conclusion: Rib osteoblastoma is a rare benign bone tumor that can exhibit metabolic activity on FDG-PET CT scan.  It should be included in the differential diagnosis of tumors located in the anterior or posterior regions of the ribs. A radical surgical approach is essential for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.