[Pseudotumoral aspect of stress fracture of the pubis]

Stress fractures of the symphysis pubis are usually due to bone insufficiency. After describing two cases which caused diagnostic difficulties, the authors relate how these fractures may simulate tumor with deceptive bone destruction. The existence of predisposing factors, namely post-menopausal osteoporosis and a history of pelvic radiation therapy, together with the radiological characteristics associating bone destruction with peripheral sclerosis suggest the diagnostic. Awareness of this pathology may avoid unnecessary biopsies which can cause delay in bone consolidation.