Osteoblastoma of the rib: A rare benign tumor with an unusual location

INTRODUCTIONOsteoblastoma is a rare benign bone tumor commonly located at spine and long bones. However, rib involvement has been reported less frequently.PRESENTATION OF CASEIn this report, we describe a young adult male presenting with left posterolateral chest wall pain. Chest computed tomography showed a calcified tumor in the left third posterior segment of the rib. Radical mass resection was performed and histopathology confirmed a benign osteoblastoma. At last follow-up, 10 months postoperatively, the patient has eventually relieved of the unbearable chest pain. Imaging evaluation revealed no evidence of recurrent tumor.DISCUSSIONOsteoblastoma is an uncommon primary bone tumor accounting for only 1% of all bone tumors. Ribs are involved in less than 5% of patients. The disease has usually good prognosis with a tendency for local destruction and recurrence.CONCLUSIONRadical surgery remains the treatment of choice to prevent recurrences and to provide a definite diagnosis differentiating it from osteoblastoma-like osteosarcoma.