[Benign osteoblastoma in the proximal phalanx. A case report]

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Skeletal Oncology
• Histopathology

Background:

• Osteoblastoma is a rare, benign bone-forming tumor, constituting approximately 1% of all primary bone tumors.
• While most commonly found in the posterior spine, osteoblastomas are exceptionally rare in the phalanges of the hand.
• Early diagnosis is crucial due to the potential radiographic similarity to other bone lesions.

Observation:

• A clinical case of a 39-year-old male with a year-long history of swelling in the proximal phalanx of the left fifth digit is presented.
• The swelling was caused by a tumor lesion.
• Histopathological examination revealed the tumor was composed of prominent osteoblasts with no observed mitoses.

Findings:

• The tumor was surgically resected using an en bloc technique with curettage.
• Histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of osteoblastoma.
• The lesion was characterized by benign osteoblastic proliferation.

Implications:

• This case underscores the importance of considering rare diagnoses, such as phalanx osteoblastoma, in the differential diagnosis of hand swelling.
• Accurate histopathological analysis is essential for distinguishing osteoblastoma from other bone lesions.
• Surgical resection is an effective treatment for osteoblastoma of the phalanx.