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Sternal resection for tumours of the breastbone | CION Cancer Clinics
A sternal resection, or sternectomy, removes part or all of the breastbone when a tumour is growing in it, then rebuilds the front of the chest with firm plates or stiffened mesh covered by muscle. It is used for some bone cancers and for cancer that has spread to or grown into the breastbone. This page explains which tumours need it, how the chest is rebuilt and what recovery involves. CION Cancer Clinics’ surgical oncologists in Hyderabad can talk this through with you.
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Medically reviewed by Dr. Muralidhar MuddusettyConsultant Surgical Oncologist · MBBS (AIIMS), MS (Surgery, AIIMS), DNB (Surgical Oncology), MRCS (Edinburgh) · last reviewed September 2026, next review due September 2027
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On this page
- What is a sternal resection for a breastbone tumour?
- Which tumours affect the breastbone?
- What happens from the first scan to the rebuilt chest?
- How does a partial sternectomy differ from a total one?
- What is recovery like, and what can go wrong?
- What do people fear about losing the breastbone?
- What can this page not tell you?
- Common questions about sternal resection
The short answer
What is a sternal resection for a breastbone tumour?
A sternal resection, also called a sternectomy, removes part or all of the breastbone when a tumour is growing in it. The gap is then rebuilt with firm material, such as metal plates or stiffened mesh, so the front of the chest stays stable and protects the heart and lungs.
Why the breastbone matters
The breastbone, or sternum, is the flat bone in the middle of the chest. The upper ribs and the collarbones join onto it. It holds the front of the rib cage together, and it moves with every breath.
Who it does not suit
It is not the first treatment for every breastbone tumour. Some, such as lymphoma or a single deposit of myeloma, a cancer of the plasma cells in bone marrow, are usually treated with chemotherapy or radiotherapy instead. It is also not offered when cancer has spread widely elsewhere, or when the heart and lungs are not fit enough for a major operation.
What grows there
Which tumours affect the breastbone?
A lump on the breastbone can have several causes. A biopsy, which means taking a small sample of tissue, decides which one it is before surgery is planned.
Tumours that start in the bone
Cancers of bone or cartilage can begin in the breastbone. The most common is chondrosarcoma, a cancer of cartilage cells, which usually grows slowly and is mainly treated with surgery.
Cancer that has spread there
Cancers from elsewhere can settle in the breastbone. Surgery is only considered when this is the single site of spread and the main cancer is controlled.
Sometimes seen with
- Breast cancer
- Thyroid cancer
- Kidney cancer
Cancer growing in from nearby
A breast cancer that has come back in the chest wall, or a tumour from the tissue behind the breastbone, can grow into the bone from outside.
Lumps that are not cancer
Some breastbone lumps turn out to be infection, a benign bone growth or swelling where a rib joins the breastbone. This is one reason a biopsy comes first.
Not sure whether this applies to you?
Ask an oncologistThe pathway
What happens from the first scan to the rebuilt chest?
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Scans and biopsy
A CT scan shows the bone, and an MRI shows how far the tumour reaches into nearby soft tissue. A needle biopsy confirms what the tumour is. A PET-CT may check for spread elsewhere.
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Planning at the tumour board
Surgeons, oncologists and radiologists decide together whether surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy or a combination comes first, and who else is needed, such as a plastic surgeon.
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Removing the bone
Under general anaesthetic, the surgeon removes the tumour with a margin of healthy bone, along with the ends of the attached ribs and any skin or muscle the tumour has reached.
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Rebuilding the front of the chest
The gap is bridged with a rigid repair, such as titanium plates or mesh stiffened with bone cement, so the chest does not move inwards when you breathe.
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Covering the repair
Healthy muscle, often from the chest or abdomen, is moved over the repair to give it a good blood supply and a soft covering. Skin is closed over the top.
Side by side
How does a partial sternectomy differ from a total one?
Partial sternectomy
Total sternectomy
Removes the upper, middle or lower part of the bone
Removes the whole breastbone
Used for smaller tumours in one part of the bone
Used when the tumour runs along much of the bone
The remaining bone helps hold the repair
The whole front of the chest is rebuilt
The collarbone joints are often kept
The collarbone joints may also need repair
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After the operation
What is recovery like, and what can go wrong?
Expect a hospital stay with close monitoring in the first days, often starting in intensive care. Breathing exercises and walking begin early, and pain relief is planned so you can cough properly.
The problems your surgeon will discuss
These include chest infection, fluid collecting under the wound, the wound not healing, and infection of the plates or mesh. An infected implant sometimes has to be removed. Your surgeon can explain how likely each is for you, which depends on the size of the repair, earlier radiotherapy, diabetes and smoking.
Protecting the repair at home
You will be told what to avoid while the repair settles, such as lifting heavy objects or pushing yourself up with your arms. Follow your own surgeon's instructions, because they depend on how the chest was rebuilt.
Redness, leaking from the wound or a new fever after you are home needs a same-day call to your surgical team.Commonly believed
What do people fear about losing the breastbone?
"Without the breastbone, the heart has no protection."
The rebuilt chest wall is firm and covered with muscle and skin. It protects the heart and lungs in everyday life. Your surgeon will explain whether contact sports or heavy work should be avoided.
"The metal plates will set off alarms and cause problems for life."
Titanium plates rarely trouble people. Carry your discharge summary when you travel. Tell any doctor ordering an MRI that you have an implant, so they can check it is safe.
"A lump on the breastbone is always cancer."
Infection, benign growths and swollen rib joints can all cause a lump here. A biopsy decides. Do not wait for it to grow before having it checked.
Being straight with you
What can this page not tell you?
This page cannot tell you whether a sternal resection is the right treatment for you or your parent. That depends on the tumour type, its size, what else is involved and your fitness, which only the treating team can weigh together.
Questions worth asking
Ask what the biopsy showed, and whether any treatment is planned before surgery. Ask how much of the bone will be removed and how the chest will be rebuilt. Ask whether a plastic surgeon will be involved, where you will recover, and what you must avoid while the repair heals. Ask what the other options are if surgery is not chosen.
Questions we are asked
Common questions about sternal resection
Can a person live normally without a breastbone?
Most people return to ordinary daily life once the rebuilt chest has healed. The repair is designed to hold the front of the chest firm and protect what lies behind it. Some limits on heavy lifting or contact sports may remain, and your surgeon will explain these for your own repair.
Will my chest look different?
There will be a scar down the front of the chest, and the shape may be slightly flatter or firmer than before. Where muscle is moved to cover the repair, there may be a second scar. Ask the surgeon or plastic surgeon to explain what to expect before the operation.
Why is a biopsy needed before the operation?
Because different breastbone tumours need very different treatment. Some are best removed first, some shrink with chemotherapy or radiotherapy, and some are not cancer at all. Planning a large operation without knowing which it is could mean the wrong treatment.
Will I need treatment after surgery?
That depends on the tumour type and what the pathology report shows about the margin, the rim of healthy tissue around what was removed. Some people need radiotherapy or chemotherapy afterwards and some do not. The tumour board decides once the report is back.
Can the plates be removed later?
They are meant to stay for life. They are only taken out if they become infected, loosen or cause ongoing trouble. If that happens, the surgeon will explain whether a new repair is needed and how the chest will be supported in the meantime.
When can I lift my grandchild or ride a two-wheeler?
Only when your surgeon says the repair is ready. Lifting and pushing put strain across the front of the chest, and the timing depends on how it was rebuilt. Ask at your follow-up visit rather than guessing, and ask again before driving or riding.
Can I have radiotherapy near the plates?
Often yes. The radiation oncologist plans around the implant and will tell you if it affects the plan. Radiotherapy can slow healing of the skin over the repair, so the surgical and radiation teams agree the timing together.
Is sternal surgery covered by Aarogyasri or insurance?
Cancer surgery is often covered as part of an approved treatment plan. Aarogyasri, CGHS, ECHS and EHS are accepted, and most cashless insurers are empanelled. Implants may have their own limits in a policy, so ask for a written estimate that lists them before admission.
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Dr. Muralidhar Muddusetty
MBBS (AIIMS), MS (Surgery) (AIIMS), DNB (Surgical Oncology), MRCS (Edinburgh)
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Dr. Vinay Mamidala
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Dr. Vajja Sandeep Kumar
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Sources
- Cancer Research UK — Bone cancer
- NHS — Bone cancer
- National Cancer Institute — Surgery to Treat Cancer
- Macmillan Cancer Support — Surgery
This page is general information, not a prescription. Do not change or stop any treatment based on what you read here. If anything is worrying you, contact your own treating team — or call our helpline and we will help you reach the right specialist.
Keep reading
Related pages
Chest Wall Reconstruction: Mesh and FlapsHow plates, mesh and muscle rebuild the chestFlail Chest and Paradoxical MovementWhy the repair has to be rigidWhich Tumours Involve the Chest WallThe cancers that reach ribs and breastboneWound, Stitches and ScarsCaring for the scar at homeThe Pathology Report After SurgeryWhat the margin result means
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Been told the breastbone may need surgery?
Send us the scan or biopsy report or call the helpline. A surgical oncologist will explain what is being proposed and what to ask. One helpline serves every CION centre.