Pathology Flashcards
Is primary bone cancer common?
No, more likely to metastasise to the bone.
What is the most common form of benign bone tumor?
Osteochondroma
This is common in adolescence.
What is an osteochondroma?
A bony outgrowth from the external bone surface, covered by a cartilaginous cap.
What is an enchondroma?
An intramedullary cartilaginous tumor, that results from failure of enchondral ossification.
How does a simple bone cyst develop?
When a cavitation within the bone becomes fluid-filled.
What causes aneurysmal bone cysts?
Small arteriovenous malformations, meaning blood/serum can enter cavitations within the bone.
They are locally aggressive.
What region of bone is affected in Giant cell tumor?
Metaphyseal region
Causes destruction of the bone cortex.
How may a Giant cell tumor present on an x-ray?
‘Soap-bubble’.
What is fibrous dysplasia?
A genetic mutation, resulting in lesions of fibrous tissue presenting in the position of bone.
What are red flags of bone malignancy?
Constant pain (especially if worse at night, or if severe)
Weight loss
Loss of appetite
Fatigue
What is the most common form of malignant bone tumor?
Osteosarcoma
Most present during adolescence/early adulthood.
Where is most affected by osteosarcoma?
Knee (makes up 60% of cases)
May also affect the proximal femur, proximal humerus and the pelvis.
How is osteosarcoma treated?
Chemotherapy
What are fibrosarcomas?
Fibrous malignant bone tumors that develop in abnormal bone (e.g. paget’s disease).
What is Ewing’s sarcoma?
A primary malignancy of primitive bone marrow cells.
It is the second most common form, yet has the poorest prognosis.
