The child with bone pain: malignancies and mimickers
1Department of Radiological Sciences, Division of Diagnostic Imaging, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Mail Stop 210, Memphis, TN 38105, USA. beth.mccarville@stjude.org
Summary
Pediatric bone pain can stem from benign or malignant causes. This review aids in differentiating common benign conditions like Langerhan
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Radiology
- Pediatric Oncology
- Pediatric Pathology
Background:
- Bone pain is a frequent complaint in children, with causes ranging from benign to life-threatening.
- Imaging is often crucial when laboratory tests, physical examination, and patient history are inconclusive.
- Differentiating benign bone conditions from malignant tumors in pediatric patients can be diagnostically challenging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current literature on the pathology and imaging of Langerhan's cell histiocytosis and osteomyelitis.
- To compare these common benign conditions with pediatric bone tumors, specifically Ewing sarcoma and osteosarcoma.
- To highlight clinical and imaging features that assist in differential diagnosis.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of pathology and imaging findings.
- Comparative analysis of benign conditions and common pediatric bone tumors.
- Emphasis on diagnostic clinical and imaging features.
Main Results:
- Langerhan's cell histiocytosis and osteomyelitis are the most common benign conditions mimicking pediatric bone tumors on imaging.
- Key clinical and imaging features are presented to differentiate these benign entities from Ewing sarcoma and osteosarcoma.
Conclusions:
- Accurate differentiation of benign bone lesions from pediatric bone tumors is critical for appropriate management.
- Understanding the distinct pathological and imaging characteristics of Langerhan's cell histiocytosis, osteomyelitis, Ewing sarcoma, and osteosarcoma is essential for pediatric radiologists and oncologists.
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