Fibrosarcoma

Description of the disease

This is a rare fibrous bone tumor characterized by the proliferation of immature fibroblastic cells. The etiology is unclear. It is most commonly located in long bones, but can also occur in flat bones. As the tumor grows, it reaches the periosteum covering the bone and the muscle tissue above it, creating conditions for the formation of bone tissue beyond the bone’s edge. This tumor metastasizes to other bones, lymph nodes, the brain, muscles, and others.

Symptoms

Symptoms are not pronounced. The typical general symptoms of bone tumors include pain, which occurs at night (night pain should cause concern – it is a serious symptom), enlargement of the bone, limping, weakness of the muscles in the limbs, decreased range of motion, swelling, and stretch marks on the skin.

Diagnosis

The main diagnostic tests for the disease include X-rays (the image strongly resembles osteosarcoma images), computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging, and most importantly, histological examination of biopsy material, which allows to determine the degree of malignancy of the tumor.

Treatment

The main treatment approach is radical removal of the tumor (radical resection). In rare cases, chemotherapy is administered before and after surgery. Radiation therapy is more commonly used when surgery is not possible, considered a palliative treatment measure.

Source | Author Doctor Nikas Samuolis, reviewed by Prof. Virginijus Šapoka | Vilnius University | Faculty of Medicine | Head of the Department of Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, and Oncology