Surgery>>>>>Chest Wall, Pleura, and Mediastinum
Question 10#

An "onion-peel" appearance of a rib on CT is suggestive of:

A. Chondroma
B. Ewing sarcoma
C. Plasmacytoma
D. Osteosarcoma

Correct Answer is B

Comment:

Primitive neuroectodermal tumors (PNETs) (neuroblastomas, ganglioneuroblastomas, and ganglioneuromas) derive from primordial neural crest cells that migrate from the mantle layer of the developing spinal cord. Histologically, PNETs and Ewing sarcomas are small, round cell tumors; both possess a translocation between the long arms of chromosomes 11 and 22 within their genetic makeup. They also share a consistent pattern of proto-oncogene expression and have been found to express the product of the MIC2 gene. Ewing sarcoma occurs in adolescents and young adults who present with progressive chest wall pain, but without the presence of a mass. Systemic symptoms of malaise and fever are often present. Laboratory studies reveal an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate and mild white blood cell elevation. Radiographically, the characteristic onion peel appearance is produced by multiple layers of periosteum in the bone formation. Evidence of bony destruction is also common. The diagnosis can be made by a percutaneous needle biopsy or an incisional biopsy.