Learning About Benign Bone Tumors in Children

What is a benign bone tumor?

A bone tumor is a growth of abnormal cells in your child's bones. When a tumor is benign (say "bih-NYN"), that means it's not cancer.

Benign bone tumors don't usually spread to other tissues and organs. They usually aren't life-threatening. But they can cause problems if they grow too much or damage healthy bone.

Most bone tumors are benign. Most are discovered in children while their bones are still growing. The tumor may stop growing when the bone stops growing.

Many benign bone tumors may not need to be treated. But if the tumor causes pain, weakens the bone, or keeps your child from moving a part of his or her body, it may need to be removed.

What are some common types of benign bone tumors?

Benign bone tumors grow inside the bones. As they grow, these tumors may involve tissues near the bones, such as tendons and ligaments that attach to the bone.

Osteochondroma.

These tumors appear most often in the bones of the legs. They may feel like a bony spur on the knee or upper shoulder.

Osteoblastoma.

These are often found in the spine or pelvis.

Osteoid osteoma.

These tumors are often in the legs or spine. They can be painful.

Aneurysmal bone cyst.

These may be found in the arms, legs, or spine. They are blood-filled growths that can swell inside the bone.

Fibrous dysplasia.

This can affect one or more bones. It may be found in the long bones of the arms and legs.

Other bone tumors common in children are unicameral bone cysts, nonossifying fibroma, and chondroblastomas.

What are the symptoms?

Sometimes the bone tumor can be felt as a bump on one of your child's bones. Or it might be inside the bone, and you won't feel it.

Your child may also feel pain near the tumor.

Tumors can weaken bone, which can then break, or fracture. A tumor that grows near a joint, like the shoulder or knee, may keep your child from being able to move an arm or leg freely.

How are they diagnosed?

Your doctor will ask about your child's symptoms and past health and do an exam. If the doctor can feel a bone tumor, or if your child has other symptoms, your child will get some tests. They can help make sure that the tumor isn't cancer. They can also help the doctor find the best treatment for the tumor.

The doctor may also find a tumor when taking X-rays or images for another problem.

• Your child may have one or more imaging tests to get a better look at the tumor. These may include:
  • X-rays.
  • A CT scan.
  • An MRI scan.
  • A bone scan.
• Your child may need a blood test and other lab tests.
• Your child may need a biopsy so a sample of the tumor can be looked at under a microscope.
• Doctors may also look at other parts of your child's body for other tumors.

How are they treated?

Some benign bone tumors that aren't causing problems can be managed with regular checkups and imaging tests. But if the tumor is causing problems, then treatment will likely be needed.

A doctor may remove a tumor with surgery. If part of the bone is removed, it may be replaced with new bone or artificial bone.

Ask the doctor or specialist about other types of treatments available for the tumor.

After treatment, the doctor may want to check the area again to make sure the growth doesn't come back.