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M08.026.008 Benign tumors of the bone
Benign bone tumors are a diverse group of slow-growing lesions that arise from bone or cartilage and do not spread to other parts of the body. While uncommon, understanding their characteristics is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management in medical practice. This section will explore some of the most frequently encountered benign bone tumors.
Common Benign Bone Tumors
Table 1. Summary of Common Benign Bone Tumors
| Tumor | Description | Location | Clinical Features | Imaging | Treatment | Malignant Transformation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Osteoma | Slow-growing bony tumor | Skull, facial bones | Usually asymptomatic | Dense, well-defined sclerotic lesion | Observation or surgical excision | No |
| Osteoid Osteoma | Painful bony tumor | Diaphysis of long bones (tibia, femur) | Nighttime pain relieved by aspirin | Central radiolucency with surrounding sclerosis | Surgical removal | No |
| Osteoblastoma | Similar to osteoid osteoma but larger | Vertebrae, long bones | Pain, deformity | Lytic lesion with surrounding sclerosis | Surgical excision | Rare |
| Osteochondroma (Exostosis) | Bony growth with cartilage cap | Metaphysis of long bones | May be asymptomatic, cause pain, or produce deformity | Radiolucent lesion capped by calcified cartilage | Excision, usually curative | Rare |
| Enchondroma | Cartilaginous growth within bone | Hands, feet | Typically asymptomatic | Well-defined lytic lesion | Observation, surgery for large lesions | Rare (increased risk with multiple enchondromatosis) |
| Giant Cell Tumor of Bone | Tumor with giant cells | Epiphyses of long bones (knee) | Pain, swelling, fractures | Expanding lytic lesion with “soap bubble” appearance | Surgery (curettage or resection) | High recurrence rate (40-60%) |
Points to Remember:
- Accurate diagnosis of benign bone tumors is essential to differentiate them from malignant lesions.
- Imaging studies like X-rays often play a key role in initial evaluation.
- Treatment options vary depending on the tumor type and location, ranging from observation to surgical intervention.
- Recurrence rates can be high for some benign tumors, requiring close follow-up.
Note: McCune-Albright syndrome is a separate condition characterized by café au lait spots, precocious puberty, and polyostotic fibrous dysplasia. It’s not a benign bone tumor but a disorder affecting bone development.
Additional Information
- Osteochondromatosis: Hereditary condition with multiple osteochondromas.
- Ollier disease: Multiple enchondromas affecting one side of the body.
- Maffucci syndrome: Multiple enchondromas with hemangiomas (blood vessel tumors).
Bibliography
- Kumar, Vinay, et al. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. Elsevier, 2015.
- Satterfield, Barry A. Pathology for the Health Professions. Elsevier, 2014.
- National Cancer Institute. https://www.cancer.gov/types/bone/hppen_spark