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Osteoclastoma in an infant
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery National Orthopaedic Hospital Enugu, Enugu State, Nigeria.
Insights
Giant cell tumors, or osteoclastomas, can occur in very young children, even before skeletal maturity. This case highlights an osteoclastoma in a toddler
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Orthopedics
- Skeletal Oncology
- Tumor Biology
Background:
- Osteoclastoma (giant cell tumor of bone) is typically diagnosed in young adults (15-40 years).
- It is a locally aggressive benign tumor with potential for recurrence and rare metastasis.
- Diagnosis before skeletal maturity is considered unusual.
Observation:
- A 2.5-year-old girl presented with a 2-year history of right clavicular swelling, first noted at 6 months of age.
- The mass was initially slow-growing and painless, involving the medial clavicle.
- Rapid enlargement and pain occurred after manipulation by a traditional bone setter.
Findings:
- Histological diagnosis confirmed osteoclastoma.
- Surgical excision of the clavicular mass was performed successfully.
- The patient is currently under follow-up for potential recurrence.
Implications:
- Osteoclastoma can manifest in early childhood, potentially presenting congenitally.
- This tumor can affect any bone, including the clavicle, irrespective of skeletal maturity.
- Early recognition and management are crucial, even in pediatric cases.
Background:
Conventionally, osteoclastoma is a benign but locally aggressive bone tumour with a tendency for local recurrence and rarely distant metastasis, diagnosed mainly in young adults, 15-40 years of age. Diagnosis before skeletal maturity is circumspect. We report a case of giant cell tumour of the clavicle (uncommon site) in a 2% year old girl that was first noticed at 6 months of age.
Method:
The case files of the patient as well as relevant literature were reviewed.
Results:
A 2%-year-old girl presented with a 2-year history of right clavicularswelling first noticed at 6 months of age. The mass was initially painless and very slow growing involving the medial third of the clavicle. It rapidly increased in size to involve the entire clavicle with associated pain following manipulation by a traditional bone setter about 6 months after onset. She had incisional biopsy; the histological report of which was osteoclastoma. She then had excision of the mass with the involved clavicle uneventfully. She is being followed up for recurrence.
Conclusion:
Osteoclastoma can develop in early childhood far before skeletal maturity, may be congenital in manifestation and can affect anybone in the body.
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