Bone Cancer of the lower extremities
benign bone tumors are noncancerous bone growths, which most commonly occur
in the long bones of the
lower extremities. Benign tumor types include chondroblastomas, chondromyxoid
fibromas, enchondromas, giant cell tumors, nonossifying fibromas,
osteoblastomas, osteochondromas, osteoid osteomas and periosteal chondromas.
These tumors most commonly occur in late childhood through early adulthood.
Symptoms vary by tumor type and location. It is important to distinguish benign
bone tumors from cancerous tumors, which may be life threatening.
Pain
Bone pain is a common symptom of certain types of benign bone tumors. pain
often occurs with chondroblastomas, chondromyxoid fibromas, giant cell tumors,
osteoid osteomas and periosteal chondromas. Osteoid osteomas characteristically
produce pain that is worst at night. Giant cell tumors can erode through the bone
and extend into the joint space, causing joint pain and stiffness. Notably, benign
bone tumors sometimes lead to pathological fractures, bone breaks that occur due
to structural weakness associated with the tumor. Sudden pain and swelling may
occur due to a pathological fracture.
Numbness and Tingling
A benign bone tumor growing near a nerve may impinge on the nerve, causing
numbness or tingling beyond the site of the tumor. Osteochondromas located
behind the knee can precipitate this symptom in the lower leg. Bone tumors in
other sites may cause similar symptoms.