A veces, los tumores surgen en la pared torácica, que cubre la cavidad torácica. La cavidad torácica es una jaula de huesos y músculos que contiene los pulmones, el corazón y otros órganos vitales. Como todos los tumores, los tumores de la pared torácica pueden ser malignos (cancerosos) o benignos (no cancerosos) y pueden originarse allí o haberse diseminado desde otro lugar. Sólo alrededor del cinco por ciento de los tumores de la pared torácica son cancerosos. Cualquier tipo de tumor puede interferir con el funcionamiento del cuerpo.

##  Síntomas de un tumor de la pared torácica

 Los síntomas de los tumores cancerosos de la pared torácica pueden incluir:

- Dolor o molestias en el área del pecho.
- Hinchazón
- movimiento deteriorado
- Un bulto o bulto que sobresale del pecho

 Los tumores benignos de la pared torácica pueden causar:

- Un bulto o bulto que sobresale del pecho
- Dolor
- Atrofia muscular

##  Causas de un tumor de la pared torácica

 Aunque se cree que las elecciones dietéticas y de estilo de vida, así como los antecedentes familiares, desempeñan un papel en el desarrollo del cáncer, aún no está claro qué causa los tumores de la pared torácica.



 

 ## Diagnostic Tests

 ### Chest X-ray

Chest x-rays provide an image of the heart, lungs, airways, blood vessels and bones in the spine and chest area. They can be used to look for broken bones, diseases like pneumonia, abnormalities, or cancer.

 [Chest X-ray](/content/chest-x-ray)  ### Computed Tomography (CT) Scan

CT scans use X-ray equipment and computer processing to produce 2-dimensional images of the body. The patient lies on a table and passes through a machine that looks like a large, squared-off donut.

 [Computed Tomography (CT) Scan](/radiology/services/ct-scan)  ### Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scan

A PET scan is used to detect cellular reactions to sugar. Abnormal cells tend to react and "light up" on the scan, thus helping physicians diagnose a variety of conditions. For the PET scan, a harmless chemical, called a radiotracer, is injected into your blood stream.

 [Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scan](/content/positron-emission-tomography-pet-scan)  ### Stress Test

A stress test is used to gain more information about how your heart functions during exercise. Your physician will monitor your heartbeat and blood flow as you walk on a treadmill, and will then be able to diagnose any problems as well as plan treatment.

 [Stress Test](/content/stress-test)  

 

 ## Treatments

 ### Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is a medication or combination of medications used to treat cancer. Chemotherapy can be given orally (as a pill) or injected intravenously (IV).

 [Chemotherapy](/content/chemotherapy)  ### Microwave Ablation

Microwave ablation is a cancer treatment in which microwave energy is sent through a narrow, microwave antenna that has been placed inside a tumor. The microwave energy creates heat, which destroys the diseased cells and tissue. It is a newer method of treating lung cancer that can target and kill cancerous cells and relieve pain.

 [Microwave Ablation](/content/microwave-ablation)  ### Radiation Therapy

Radiation uses special equipment to deliver high-energy particles, such as x-rays, gamma rays, electron beams or protons, to kill or damage cancer cells. Radiation can be delivered internally through seed implantation or externally using linear accelerators.

 [Radiation Therapy](/content/radiation-therapy)  ### Radiofrequency Ablation for Cancer

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a cancer treatment in which radiofrequency energy—derived from electric and magnetic energy—is sent by means of a narrow probe that is placed in the center of a lung tumor. Surgical incisions are not required, and the probes are placed into tumors using CT scan to guide the physician. RFA is a newer method of treating lung cancer, as well as cancers of the liver, kidney, and bone. RFA can target and kill cancerous cells sparing healthy tissues that are close to the cancer. Systemic treatments such as chemotherapy and certain types of radiation are absorbed into both healthy and diseased tissue, whereas RFA is delivered directly into a tumor.

 [Radiofrequency Ablation for Cancer](/content/radiofrequency-ablation-cancer)  ### Tumor Resection

The surgeon removes (resects) some or all of a tumor.

 [Tumor Resection](/content/tumor-resection)  

 

 ## Departments and Programs Who Treat This Condition

  department###  [Thoracic Cancer Program](/departments/cancer-center/thoracic-cancer-program) 

 A program within the Cancer Center providing diagnosis and treatment for thoracic cancers, including lung and chest tumors, with coordinated care across specialties to support eva… 

 

 

  department###  [Radiation Oncology](/departments/radiation-oncology) 

 An oncology department using advanced radiation therapy to treat cancer, with personalized planning and care to target tumors while protecting surrounding healthy tissue.