Important Announcements

Nondiscrimination Statement Update

Boston Medical Center Health System complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, national origin (including limited English proficiency and primary language), religion, culture, physical or mental disabilities, socioeconomic status, sex, sexual orientation and gender identity and/or expression. BMCHS provides free aids and services to people with disabilities and free language services to people whose primary language is not English.

To see our full nondiscrimination statement, click here.

Campus Construction Update

Starting September 14, we’re closing the Menino building lobby entrance. This, along with the ongoing Yawkey building entrance closure, will help us bring you an even better campus experience that matches the exceptional care you've come to expect. Please enter the Menino and Yawkey buildings through the Moakley building, and make sure to leave extra time to get to your appointment. Thank you for your patience. 

Click here to learn more about our campus redesign. 

Chest Wall Tumor


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Sometimes tumors arise on the chest wall, which covers the chest cavity. The chest cavity is a cage of bone and muscle that holds the lungs, heart, and other vital organs. Like all tumors, chest wall tumors may be malignant (cancerous) or benign (non-cancerous), and may originate there or have spread from elsewhere. Only about five percent of chest wall tumors are found to be cancerous. Either type of tumor may interfere with the body's functioning.

Symptoms of a Chest Wall Tumor

Symptoms of cancerous chest wall tumors may include:

  • Pain or soreness in the chest area
  • Swelling
  • Impaired movement
  • A lump or bump protruding from the chest

Benign chest wall tumors may cause:

  • A lump or bump protruding from the chest
  • Pain
  • Muscle atrophy

Causes of a Chest Wall Tumor

Although dietary and lifestyle choices as well as family history are thought to play a role in cancer development, it remains unclear what causes chest wall tumors.

Diagnostic Tests

Treatments

Departments and Programs Who Treat This Condition

department

Thoracic Cancer

Our team, which ranges across surgery, radiology, pulmonology and more, offers personalized, compassionate, and innovative care for all thoracic cancers.
Thoracic Cancer
department

Radiation Oncology

The Department of Radiation Oncology at Boston Medical Center is committed to providing expert, compassionate care in a state-of-the-art facility. Our team of skilled radiation on…
Radiation Oncology