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Updated: Jul 17, 2026
Monitoring Tumor Metastases and Osteolytic Lesions with Bioluminescence and Micro CT Imaging
Published on: April 14, 2011
Tumor-induced osteomalacia: a case report
Khalid Aligail1, Joel A Dave1, Ian Louis Ross2
1Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Groote Schuur Hospital and University of Cape Town, J47-85 Old Main Building, Private Bag X3, Observatory, Cape Town, 7935, South Africa.
Background:
Tumor-induced osteomalacia is a rare, acquired paraneoplastic syndrome, including hypophosphatemia, high serum alkaline phosphatase, reduced active vitamin D, suboptimal bone mineral density, bone pain, fragility fractures, and muscle weakness.
Case Presentation:
We report a case of 74-year-old male of mixed ancestry with hypophosphatemia resistant to treatment despite optimal compliance, associated with profound reduction of bone mineral density and multiple nontraumatic fractures, including bilateral rib fractures, lower-thoracic (T11, T12) vertebrae, and two fractures involving the surgical and anatomical neck of the right humerus. We discuss an approach to identifying the underlying cause of hypophosphatemia associated with fragility fractures, and options for management of this rare condition.
Conclusion:
Although rare, tumor-induced osteomalacia can be diagnosed if a logical stepwise approach is implemented. Surgery could be curative if the tumor is properly located and is resectable.
