PATHOLOGY OF THE MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM
Part-one
BONES & JOINTS
CONGENITAL DISEASES OF BONE
Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI) (Brittle bone diseases) is a group of hereditary
disorders caused by gene mutations that eventuate in defective synthesis of and thus
premature degradation of type I collagen. The fundamental abnormality in all forms
of OI is too little bone, resulting in extreme susceptibility to fractures. The bones
show marked cortical thinning and attenuation of trabeculae.
Extraskeletal manifestations also occur because type I collagen is a major component
of extracellular matrix in other parts of the body. The classic finding of blue sclerae is
attributable to decreased scleral collagen content; this causes a relative transparency
that allows the underlying choroid to be seen. Hearing loss can be related to
conduction defects in the middle and inner ear bones, and small misshapen teeth are a
result of dentin deficiency.
Achrondroplasia is a major cause of dwarfism. The underlying etiology is a point
mutation in the fibroblast growth factor receptor, which causes inhibition of
chondrocyte proliferation, which is associated with suppression of the normal
epiphyseal growth plate expansion. Thus, long bone growth is markedly shortened.
The most conspicuous changes include disproportionate shortening of the proximal
extremities,
bowing
of
the
legs,
and
a
lordotic
posture.
Achondroplasia is an autosomal dominant disorder
ACQUIRED DISEASES OF BONE DEVELOPMENT
Osteoporosis is characterized by increased porosity of the skeleton resulting from
reduced bone mass. The disorder may be localized to a certain bone (s), as in disuse
osteoporosis of a limb, or generalized involving the entire skeleton. Generalized
osteoporosis may be primary, or secondary.
Primary generalized osteoporosis
Postmenopausal
Senile
Secondary generalized osteoporosis
Senile and postmenopausal osteoporosis are the most common forms. In the fourth
decade in both sexes, bone resorption begins to overrun bone deposition. Such losses
generally occur in areas containing abundant cancelloues bone such as the vertebrae
& femoral neck. The postmenopausal state accelerates the rate of loss; that is why
females are more susceptible to osteoporosis and its complications.
B. Neoplasia
Multiple myeloma
Carcinomatosis
A. Endocrine disorders
Hyperparathyroidism
Hypo or hyperthyroidism
Others
C. Gastrointestinal disorders
Malnutrition & malabsorption
Vit D & C deficiency
Hepatic insufficiency
D. Drugs
Corticosteroids
Anticoagulants
Chemotherapy
Alcohol
E. Miscellaneous
osteogenesis imperfecta
immobilization
pulmonary disease
Gross features
Because of bone loss, the bony trabeculae are thinner and more widely separated
than usual. This leads to obvious porosity of otherwise spongy cancellous bones.
Microscopic features
There is thinning of the trabeculae and widening of Haversian canals.
The mineral content of the thinned bone is normal, and thus there is no alteration in
the ratio of minerals to protein matrix.
Etiology & Pathogenesis
Osteoporosis involves an imbalance of bone formation, bone resorption, &
regulation of osteoclast activation. It occurs when the balance tilts in favor of
resorption.
Osteoclasts (as macrophages) bear receptors (called RANK receptors) that when
stimulated activate the nuclear factor (NFκB) transcriptional pathway. RANK
ligand synthesized by bone stromal cells and osteoblasts activates RANK. RANK
activation converts macrophages into bone-crunching osteoclasts and is therefore
a major stimulus for bone resorption.
Osteoprotegerin (OPG) is a receptor secreted by osteoblasts and stromal cells,
which can bind RANK ligand and by doing so makes the ligand unavailable to
activate RANK, thus limiting osteoclast bone-resorbing activity.
Dysregulation of RANK, RANK ligand, and OPG interactions seems to be a major
contributor in the pathogenesis of osteoporosis. Such dysregulation can occur for a
variety of reasons, including aging and estrogen deficiency
Influence of age: with increasing age, osteoblasts synthetic activity of bone matrix
progressively diminished in the face of fully active osteoclasts.
The hypoestrogenic effects: the decline in estrogen levels associated with
menopause correlates with an annual decline of as much as 2% of cortical bone
and 9% of cancellous bone. The hypoestrogenic effects are attributable in part to
augmented cytokine production (especially interleukin-1 and TNF). These translate
into increased RANK-RANK ligand activity and diminished OPG.
Physical activity: reduced physical activity increases bone loss. This effect is
obvious in an immobilized limb, but also occurs diffusely with decreased physical
activity in older individuals.
Genetic factors: these influence vitamin D receptors efficiency, calcium uptake, or
PTH synthesis and responses.
Calcium nutritional insufficiency: the majority of adolescent girls (but not boys)
have insufficient dietary intake of calcium. As a result, they do not achieve the
maximal peak bone mass, and are therefore likely to develop clinically significant
osteoporosis at an earlier age.
Secondary causes of osteoporosis: these include prolonged glucocorticoid therapy
(increases bone resorption and reduce bone synthesis.)
The clinical outcome of osteoporosis depends on which bones are involved. Thoracic
and lumbar vertebral fractures are extremely common, and produce loss of height
and various deformities, including kyphoscoliosis that can compromise respiratory
function. Pulmonary embolism and pneumonia are common complications of
fractures of the femoral neck, pelvis, or spine.
Paget Disease (Osteitis Deformans)
This unique bone disease is characterized by repetitive episodes of exaggerated,
regional osteoclastic activity (osteolytic stage), followed by exuberant bone formation
(mixed osteoclastic-osteoblastic stage), and finally by exhaustion of cellular activity
(osteosclerotic stage). The net effect of this process is a gain in bone mass; however,
the newly formed bone is disordered and lacks strength. Paget disease usually does
not occur until mid-adulthood but becomes progressively more common
thereafter.The axial skeleton and proximal femur are involved in the majority of
cases.
Complications include In patients with extensive disease, congestive heart
failure(hypervascularity of marrow tissue),cranial nerves impingement and rarely
bone sarcoma (usually osteogenic).
Rickets and Osteomalacia:
an excess of unmineralized matrix.
Rickets in growing children and osteomalacia in adults are skeletal diseases with
worldwide distribution. They may result from
1. Diets deficient in calcium and vitamin D
2. Limited exposure to sunlight (in heavily veiled women, and inhabitants of northern
climates with scant sunlight)
3. Renal disorders causing decreased synthesis of 1,25 (OH)
2
-D or phosphate
depletion
4. Malabsorption disorders.
Although rickets and osteomalacia rarely occur outside high-risk groups, milder forms
of vitamin D deficiency (also called vitamin D insufficiency) leading to bone loss and
hip fractures are quite common in the elderly.
Whatever the basis, a deficiency of vitamin D tends to cause hypocalcemia. When
hypocalcemia occurs, PTH production is increased, that ultimately leads to
restoration of the serum level of calcium to near normal levels (through mobilization
of Ca from bone & decreased renal calcium excretion; and increased renal excretion
of phosphate (result in hypophosphetemia ; so mineralization of bone is impaired or
there is high bone turnover.
The basic derangement in both rickets and osteomalacia is an excess of unmineralized
matrix. This complicated in rickets by derangement of endochondral bone growth.
The following sequence ensues in rickets:
1. Overgrowth of epiphyseal cartilage with distorted, irregular masses of cartilage
2. Deposition of osteoid matrix on inadequately mineralized cartilage
3. Disruption of the orderly replacement of cartilage by osteoid matrix, with
enlargement and lateral expansion of the osteochondral junction
4. Microfractures and stresses of the inadequately mineralized, weak, poorly formed
bone
5. Deformation of the skeleton due to the loss of structural rigidity of the developing
bones
Gross features
The gross skeletal changes depend on the severity of the disease; its duration, & the
stresses to which individual bones are subjected.
During the nonambulatory stage of infancy, the head and chest sustain the greatest
stresses. The softened occipital bones may become flattened. An excess of osteoid
produces frontal bossing. Deformation of the chest results from overgrowth of
cartilage or osteoid tissue at the costochondral junction, producing the "rachitic
rosary." The weakened metaphyseal areas of the ribs are subject to the pull of the
respiratory muscles and thus bend inward, creating anterior protrusion of the
sternum (pigeon breast deformity). The pelvis may become deformed.
When an ambulating child develops rickets, deformities are likely to affect the
spine, pelvis, and long bones (e.g., tibia), causing, most notably, lumbar lordosis
and bowing of the legs
.
In adults the lack of vitamin D deranges the normal bone remodeling that occurs
throughout life. The newly formed osteoid matrix laid down by osteoblasts is
inadequately mineralized, thus producing the excess of persistent osteoid that is
characteristic of osteomalacia. Although the contours of the bone are not affected,
the bone is weak and vulnerable to gross fractures or microfractures, which are
most likely to affect vertebral bodies and femoral necks.
Hyperparathyroidism
Abnormally high levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH) cause hypercalcemia. This can
result from either primary or secondary causes. Primary hyperparathyroidism is
caused usually by a parathyroid adenoma, which is associated with autonomous PTH
secretion. Secondary hyperparathyroidism, on the other hand, can occur in the
setting of chronic renal failure. In either situation, the presence of excessive amounts
of this hormone leads to significant skeletal changes related to a persistently
exuberant osteoclast activity that is associated with increased bone resorption and
calcium mobilization. The entire skeleton is affected. PTH is directly responsible for
the bone changes seen in primary hyperparathyroidism, but in secondary
hyperparathyroidism additional influences also contribute. In chronic renal failure
there is inadequate 1,25-(OH)
2
-D synthesis that ultimately affects gastrointestinal
calcium absorption. The hyperphosphatemia of renal failure also suppresses renal α
1
-
hydroxylase, which further impair vitamin D synthesis; all these eventuate in
hypocalcemia, which stimulates excessive secretion of PTH by the parathyroid
glands, & hence elevation in PTH serum levels.
Bone changes include
Increased osteoclastic activity, with bone resorption. Cortical and trabecular bone
are lost and replaced by loose connective tissue.
Bone resorption is especially pronounced in the subperiosteal regions and produces
characteristic radiographic changes, best seen along the radial aspect of the middle
phalanges of the second and third fingers.
reduced bone mass, and hence are increasingly susceptible to fractures and bone
deformities.
Osteonecrosis (Avascular Necrosis)
Ischemic necrosis with resultant bone infarction occurs mostly due to fracture or after
corticosteroid use. Microscopically, dead bone trabeculae (characterized by empty
lacunae) are interspersed with areas of fat necrosis. The cortex is usually not affected
because of collateral blood supply; in subchondral infarcts, the overlying articular
cartilage also remains viable because the synovial fluid can provide nutritional
support. With time, osteoclasts can resorb many of the necrotic bony trabeculae; any
dead bone fragments that remain act as scaffolds for new bone formation, a process
called creeping substitution. Symptoms depend on the size and location of injury.
Subchondral infarcts often collapse and can lead to severe osteoarthritis.
Osteomyelitis
This refers to inflammation of the bone and related marrow cavity almost always due
to infection. Osteomyelitis can be acute or a chronic. The most common etiologic
agents are pyogenic bacteria and Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
Pyogenic Osteomyelitis
The offending organisms reach the bone by one of three routes:
1. Hematogenous dissemination (most common)
2. Extension from a nearby infection (in adjacent joint or soft tissue)
3. Traumatic implantation of bacteria (as after compound fractures or orthopedic
procedures).
Staphylococcus aureus is the most frequent cause. Mixed bacterial infections,
including anaerobes, are responsible for osteomyelitis complicating bone trauma. In
as many as 50% of cases, no organisms can be isolated.
Pathologic features:
The offending bacteria proliferate & induce an acute inflammatory reaction.
Entrapped bone undergoes early necrosis; the dead bone is called sequestrum.
The inflammation with its bacteria can permeate the Haversian systems to reach
the periosteum. In children, the periosteum is loosely attached to the cortex;
therefore, sizable subperiosteal abscesses can form and extend for long distances
along the bone surface.
Lifting of the periosteum further impairs the blood supply to the affected region,
and both suppurative and ischemic injury can cause segmental bone necrosis.
Rupture of the periosteum can lead to an abscess in the surrounding soft tissue and
eventually the formation of cutaneous draining sinus. Sometimes the sequestrum
crumbles and passes through the sinus tract.
In infants (uncommonly in adults), epiphyseal infection can spread into the
adjoining joint to produce suppurative arthritis, sometimes with extensive
destruction of the articular cartilage and permanent disability.
After the first week of infection chronic inflammatory cells become more
numerous. Leukocyte cytokine release stimulates osteoclastic bone resorption,
fibrous tissue ingrowth, and bone formation in the periphery, this occurs as a shell
of living tissue (involucrum) around a segment of dead bone. Viable organisms can
persist in the sequestrum for years after the original infection.
Chronicity may develop when there is delay in diagnosis, extensive bone necrosis,
and improper management.
Complications of chronic osteomyelitis include
1. A source of acute exacerbations
2. Pathologic fracture
3. Secondary amyloidosis
4. Endocarditis
5. Development of squamous cell carcinoma in the sinus tract (rarely osteosarcoma).
Tuberculous Osteomyelitis
Bone infection complicates up to 3% of those with pulmonary tuberculosis. Young
adults or children are usually affected. The organisms usually reach the bone
hematogenously. The long bones and vertebrae are favored sites. The lesions are
often solitary (multifocal in AIDS patients). The infection often spreads from the
initial site of bacterial deposition (the synovium of the vertebrae, hip, knee, ankle,
elbow, wrist, etc) into the adjacent epiphysis, where it causes typical granulomatous
inflammation with caseous necrosis and extensive bone destruction. Tuberculosis of
the vertebral bodies (Pott disease), is an important form of osteomyelitis. Infection at
this site causes vertebral deformity and collapse, with secondary neurologic deficits.
Extension of the infection to the adjacent soft tissues with the development of psoas
muscle abscesses is fairly common in Pott disease. Advanced cases are associated
with cutaneous sinuses, which cause secondary bacterial infections. Diagnosis is
established by synovial fluid direct examination, culture or PCR.
BONE TUMORS
Primary bone tumors are classified according to their normal cell of origin or line of
differentiation. Among the benign mass lesions, osteochondroma and fibrous cortical
defect occur most frequently. Osteosarcoma is the most common primary bone
cancer, followed by chondrosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma. Benign tumors markedly
outnumber their malignant counterparts, particularly before age 40; bone tumors in
the elderly are much more likely to be malignant.
Most bone tumors develop during the first few decades of life and tend to originate in
the long bones of the extremities. Nevertheless, specific tumor types target certain age
groups and anatomic sites; such clinical information is often critical for the
appropriate diagnosis. For instance, most osteosarcomas occur during adolescence,
with half arising around the knee, either in the distal femur or proximal tibia. In
contrast, chondrosarcomas tend to develop during mid- to late adulthood and involve
the trunk, limb girdles, and proximal long bones.
Benign lesions are frequently asymptomatic and are detected as incidental findings.
Others produce pain or a slowly growing mass. Occasionally, a sudden pathologic
fracture is the first manifestation. Radiologic imaging is important in the evaluation of
bone tumors; however, biopsy and microscopic evaluations are necessary for the final
diagnosis.
Bone-Forming Tumors
1. Osteoma is a benign lesion of bone that in many cases represent a developmental
abnormaly or reactive growth rather than true neoplasms. They are most common in
the head, including the paranasal sinuses. Microscopically, there is a mixture of
woven and lamellar bone. They may cause local mechanical problems (e.g.,
obstruction of a sinus cavity) and cosmetic deformities.
2. Osteoid Osteoma and Osteoblastoma are benign neoplasms with very similar
histologic features. Both lesions typically arise during the 2
nd
& 3
rd
decades. They are
well-circumscribed lesions, usually involving the cortex. The central area of the
tumor, termed the nidus, is characteristically radiolucent. Osteoid osteomas arise most
often in the proximal femur and tibia, and are by definition less than 2 cm, whereas
osteoblastomas are larger. Localized pain is an almost universal complaint with
osteoid osteomas, and is usually relieved by aspirin. Osteoblastomas arise most often
in the vertebral column; they also cause pain, which is not responsive to aspirin.
Malignant transformation is rare unless the lesion is treated with radiation.
Gross features
Both lesions are round-to-oval masses of hemorrhagic gritty tan tissue.
A rim of sclerotic bone is present at the edge of both types of tumors.
Microscopic features
There are interlacing trabeculae of woven bone surrounded by osteoblasts.
The intervening connective tissue is loose, vascular & contains variable numbers
of giant cells.
3. Osteosarcoma
This is “a bone-producing malignant mesenchymal tumor.” Excluding myeloma and
lymphoma, osteosarcoma is the most common primary malignant tumor of bone
(20%). The peak age of incidence is 10-25 years with 75% of the affected patients are
younger than age 20 years; there is a second peak that occurrs in the elderly, usually
secondary to other conditions, e.g. Paget disease, bone infarcts, and prior irradiation.
Most tumors arise in the metaphysis of the long bones of the extremities, with 60%
occurring about the knee, 15% around the hip, & 10% at the shoulder. The most
common type of osteosarcoma is primary, solitary, intramedullary, and poorly
differentiated, producing a predominantly bony matrix.
Gross features
The tumor is gritty, gray-white, often with foci of hemorrhage and cystic
degeneration.
It frequently destroys the surrounding cortex to extend into the soft tissue.
There is extensive spread within the medullary canal, with replacement of the
marrow. However, penetration of the epiphyseal plate or the joint space is
infrequent.
Microscopic features
Tumor cells are pleomorphic with large hyperchromatic nuclei; bizarre tumor giant
cells are common, as are mitoses.
The direct production of mineralized or unmineralized bone (osteoid) by malignant
cells is essential for diagnosis of osteosarcoma. The neoplastic bone is typically
fine, lace-like but can also be deposited in broad sheets.
Cartilage can be present in varying amounts. When malignant cartilage is
abundant, the tumor is called a chondroblastic osteosarcoma.
Pathogenesis
Several genetic mutations are closely associated with the development of
osteosarcoma. In particular, RB gene mutations that occur in both sporadic tumors,
and in individuals with hereditary retinoblastomas. In the latter there are germ-line
mutations in the RB gene (inherited).
Spontaneous osteosarcomas also frequently exhibit mutations in genes that regulate
the cell cycle including p53, cyclins, etc.
Osteosarcomas typically present as painful enlarging masses. Radiographs usually
show a large, destructive, mixed lytic and blastic mass with infiltrating margins. The
tumor frequently breaks the cortex and lifts the periosteum. The latter results in a
reactive periosteal bone formation; a triangular shadow on x-ray between the cortex
and raised periosteum (Codman triangle) is characteristic but not specific of
osteosarcomas. Osteosarcomas typically spread hematogenously; 10% to 20% of
patients have demonstrable pulmonary metastases at the time of diagnosis.
Cartilage-Forming Tumors
1. Osteochondroma (Exostosis) is a relatively common benign cartilage-capped
outgrowth attached by a bony stalk to the underlying skeleton. Solitary
osteochondromas are usually first diagnosed in late adolescence and early adulthood
(male-to-female ratio of 3:1); multiple osteochondromas become apparent during
childhood, occurring as multiple hereditary exostosis, an autosomal dominant
disorder. Inactivation of both copies of the EXT gene (a tumor suppressor gne) in
chondrocytes is implicated in both sporadic and hereditary osteochondromas.
Osteochondromas develop only in bones of endochondral origin arising at the
metaphysis near the growth plate of long tubular bones, especially about the knee.
They tend to stop growing once the normal growth of the skeleton is completed.
Occasionally they develop from flat bones (pelvis, scapula, and ribs). Rarely,
exostoses involve the short tubular bones of hands and feet.
Pathological features
Osteochondromas vary from 1-20cm in size.
The cap is benign hyaline cartilage.
Newly formed bone forms the inner portion of the head and stalk, with the stalk
cortex merging with the cortex of the host bone.
Osteochondromas are slow-growing masses that may be painful. Osteochondromas
rarely progress to chondrosarcoma or other sarcoma, although patients with the
multiple hereditary exostoses are at increased risk of malignant transformation.
2. Chondroma is a benign tumor of hyaline cartilage. When it arises within the
medullary cavity, it is termed enchondroma; when on the bone surface it is called
juxtacortical chondroma. Enchondromas are usually diagnosed in persons between
ages 20 and 50 years; they are typically solitary and located in the metaphyseal region
of tubular bones, the favored sites being the short tubular bones of the hands and feet.
Ollier disease is characterized by multiple chondromas preferentially involving one
side of the body. Chondromas probably develop from slowly proliferating rests of
growth plate cartilage.
Pathological features
Enchondromas are gray-blue, translucent nodules usually smaller than 3 cm.
Microscopically, there is well-circumscribed hyaline matrix and cytologically
benign chondrocytes.
Most enchondromas are detected as incidental findings; occasionally they are painful
or cause pathologic fractures. Solitary chondromas rarely undergo malignant
transformation, but those associated with enchondromatosis are at increased risk.
3. Chondrosarcomas are malignant tumors of cartilage forming tissues. They are
divided into conventional chondrosarcomas and chondrosarcoma variants. Each of
these categories comprises several distinct types, some defined on microscopic
grounds & others on the basis of location within the affected bone, for e.g. they are
divided into central (medullary), peripheral (cortical), and juxtacortical (periosteal).
The common denominator of chondrosarcoma is the production of a cartilaginous
matrix and the lack of direct bone formation by the tumor cells (cf osteosarcoma).
Chondrosarcomas occur roughly half as frequently as osteosarcomas; most patients
age 40 years or more, with men affected twice as frequently as women.
Pathological features
Conventional chondrosarcomas arise within the medullary cavity of the bone to form
an expansile glistening mass that often erodes the cortex. They exhibit malignant
hyaline or myxoid stroma. Spotty calcifications are typically present. The tumor
grows with broad pushing fronts into marrow spaces and the surrounding soft tissue.
Tumor grade is determined by cellularity, cytologic atypia, and mitotic activity. Low-
grade tumors resemble normal cartilage. Higher grade lesions contain pleomorphic
chondrocytes with frequent mitotic figures with multinucleate cells and lacunae
containing two or more chondrocytes. Dedifferentiated chondrosarcomas refers to the
presence of a poorly differentiated sarcomatous component at the periphery of an
otherwise typical low-grade chondrosarcoma. Other histologic variants include
myxoid, clear-cell and mesenchymal chondrosarcomas. Chondrosarcomas commonly
arise in the pelvis, shoulder, and ribs. A slowly growing low-grade tumor causes
reactive thickening of the cortex, whereas a more aggressive high-grade neoplasm
destroys the cortex and forms a soft tissue mass. There is also a direct correlation
between grade and biologic behavior. Size is another prognostic feature, with tumors
larger than 10 cm being significantly more aggressive than smaller tumors. High-
grade Chondrosarcomas metastasize hematogenously, preferentially to the lungs and
skeleton.
Fibrous and Fibro-Osseous Tumors
Fibrous tumors of bone are common and comprise several morphological variants.
1. Fibrous Cortical Defect and Nonossifying Fibroma
Fibrous cortical defects occur in 30% to 50% of all children older than 2 years of
age; they are probably developmental rather than true neoplasms. The vast majority
are smaller than 0.5 cm and arise in the metaphysis of the distal femur or proximal
tibia; almost half are bilateral or multiple. They may enlarge in size (5-6 cm) to form
nonossifying fibromas. Both lesions present as sharply demarcated radiolucencies
surrounded by a thin zone of sclerosis. Microscopically are cellular and composed of
benign fibroblasts and macrophages, including multinucleated forms. The fibroblasts
classically exhibit a storiform pattern. Fibrous cortical defects are asymptomatic and
are usually only detected as incidental radiographic lesions. Most undergo
spontaneous differentiation into normal cortical bone. The few that enlarge into
nonossifying fibromas can present with pathologic fracture; in such cases biopsy is
necessary to rule out other tumors.
2. Fibrous Dysplasia is a benign mass lesion in which all components of normal bone
are present, but they fail to differentiate into mature structures. Fibrous dysplasia
occurs as one of three clinical patterns:
A. Involvement of a single bone (monostotic)
B. nvolvement of multiple bones (polyostotic)
C. Polyostotic disease, associated with café au lait skin pigmentations and endocrine
abnormalities, especially precocious puberty (Albright syndrome).
Fibrous dysplasia can be :
Monostotic fibrous dysplasia accounts for 70% of cases
Polyostotic fibrous dysplasia without endocrine dysfunction accounts for the
majority of the remaining cases.
Albright syndrome accounts for 3% of all cases.
Gross features
The lesion is well-circumscribed, intramedullary; large masses expand and distort
the bone.
On section it is tan-white and gritty.
Microscopic features
There are curved trabeculae of woven bone (mimicking Chinese characters),
without osteoblastic rimming
The above are set within fibroblastic proliferation
Rarely, polyostotic disease can transform into osteosarcoma, especially following
radiotherapy.
Other Bone Tumors
1. Ewing Sarcoma & Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumor (PNET) are primary
malignant small round-cell tumors of bone and soft tissue. They are viewed as the
same tumor because they share an identical chromosome translocation; they differ
only in degree of differentiation. PNETs demonstrate neural differentiation whereas
Ewing sarcomas are undifferentiated. After osteosarcomas, they are the second most
common pediatric bone sarcomas. Most patients are 10 to 15 years old. The common
chromosomal abnormality is a translocation that causes fusion of the EWS gene with a
member of the ETS family of transcription factors. The resulting hybrid protein
functions as an active transcription factor to stimulate cell proliferation. These
translocations are of diagnostic importance since almost all patients with Ewing
tumor have t(11;22).
Pathological features
Ewing sarcoma and PNETs arise in the medullary cavity but eventually invade the
cortex and periosteum to produce a soft tissue mass.
The tumor is tan-white, frequently with foci of hemorrhage and necrosis.
Microscopic features
There are sheets of uniform small, round cells that are slightly larger than
lymphocytes with few mitoses and little intervening stroma.
The cells have scant glycogen-rich cytoplasm.
The presence of Homer-Wright rosettes (tumor cells circled about a central
fibrillary space) indicates neural differentiation, and hence indicates by definition
PNET.
Ewing sarcoma and PNETs typically present as painful enlarging masses in the
diaphyses of long tubular bones (especially the femur) and the pelvic flat bones. The
tumor may be confused with osteomyelitis because of its association with systemic
signs & symptoms of infection. X-rays show a destructive lytic tumor with infiltrative
margins and extension into surrounding soft tissues. There is a characteristic
periosteal reaction depositing bone in an onionskin fashion.
1. Giant-Cell Tumor of Bone (GCT):
is dominated by multinucleated osteoclast-type giant cells, hence the
synonym osteoclastoma. GCT is locally aggressive, usually arising in
individuals in their 20s to 40s. Current opinion suggests that the giant cell
component is likely a reactive macrophage population and the mononuclear
cells are neoplastic. Tumors are large and red-brown with frequent cystic
degeneration. They are composed of uniform oval mononuclear cells with
frequent mitoses, with scattered osteoclast-type giant cells that may contain 30
or more nuclei.
The majority of GCTs arise in the epiphysis of long bones around the knee (distal
femur and proximal tibia). Radiographically, GCTs are large, purely lytic, and
eccentric; the overlying cortex is frequently destroyed, producing a bulging soft tissue
mass with a thin shell of reactive bone. Although GCTs are benign, roughly 50%
recur after simple curettage; some malignant examples (5%) metastasize to the lungs.