Bone Tumours

types of bone tumour
signs, symptoms and diagnosis
pathophysiology
treatments
consequences and course
the patient
health care team
community involvement
resources and references

Types of Bone Tumour

Metastatic bone tumours

most common cause of cancer in the bone. Most common in the red marrow of axial and proximal appendicular skeleton. It is often multifocal due to carcinoma spread.

most often lytic or destructive.

radioisotope bone scan is best screening modality.

can present with pain or fracutre, but can also be asymptomatic.

osteosarcoma

favours the metaphyseal area of large limb bones - about 50% occurring around the knee. Most affect people from 12-25 years, though a second small peak is seen in older folks with Paget's disease.

Most arise inside the bone and are poorly differentiated. Production of bone matrix is characteristic. Osteosarcomas spread hematogenously, mostly to the lungs. Five year survival is 60-70%.

osteoid sarcoma

distinctive benign bone-forming tumour with prominent pain presentation, often relieved with ASA. They are almost always small and occur in young adults, with excellent prognosis.

osteochondroma

the commonest benign bone tumour - arises near the growth plate and grows outwards by endochondral ossification with a muschroom shape. They present as a lump or result in pressure on adjacent structures.

endochondroma

benign cartilage tumour - prediliction for small bones of hands.

chondrosarcoma

usually a well-differentiated tumour, with a long history of achy pain and slowly growing mass. Treatment is wide surgical excision. The main problem is local recurrence, as they rarely metastasize. High grade tumours are the exception.