| name: | Benign Bone Tumors |
| also known as: | Benign Tumors of the Bone; Osteochondroma; Chondroma; Giant Cell Tumor; Osteoid Osteoma; Chondroblastoma; Bone Cyst |
| also see: | Malignant Bone Tumors; Joint Tumors; CPT |
| description: | Primary bone tumor means a growth that begins in the bone. A metastatic bone tumor means a cancer that began somewhere else in the body and subsequently metastasized (spread) to the bone. Primary bone tumors, whether a benign bone tumor or malignant bone tumor, are more common in children, and metastatic bone tumors are more common in adults. Joint tumors whether benign or malignant, are uncommon. Benign bone tumors include: 1. Osteochondroma: Tend to occur in long bones of teenagers and often occur in families. 1-10% chance of malignant transformation into a chondrosarcoma. 2. Chondroma: Tend to occur on the inside of any bone within the bone marrow, more common in adults. Are benign but appear to be malignant on bone scan. 3. Giant Cell Tumor: Are benign bone tumors occurring at or near the growth plate of long bones, more common in young adults. Appear as malignant lesions on plain x-ray and although they are benign, do have the ability to both recur and to metastasize. 4. Osteoid Osteoma: Tend to occur in long bones of young adults and classically present as bone pain at night that is characteristically relieved with aspirin. 5. Chondroblastoma: Rare bone tumor that tends to occur in the growth plate of bones in teenagers. |
| signs & symptoms: | Whether benign or malignant (cancerous), bone tumors can present as pain, a lump, or what is called a pathologic fracture, that is, the bone fractures spontaneously with the slightest of stress. |
| diagnosis: | Based on signs, symptoms, history and exam, as well as x-ray, CT Scan, MRI Scan, bone scan, and biopsy. |
| treatment: | Most benign bone tumors are surgically removed, the techniques of which vary depending upon the size, location, and type of benign bone tumor. |
| prevention: | None. |
| outcome: | Surgical removal is highly successful in treating the problem. |
Last updated 2/4/2009