Non-ossifying fibroma

Non-ossifying fibroma is a benign, non-cancerous tumor that usually occurs in the long bones of the legs in children and adolescents. It is the most common benign bone tumor in children. Non-ossifying fibromas are usually asymptomatic and are often discovered incidentally on X-ray.

Symptoms

Non-ossifying fibromas are usually asymptomatic, meaning they do not cause any symptoms. However, in some cases, they may cause pain or swelling in the affected bone. In rare cases, they may cause a pathological fracture, which is a break in a bone caused by a disease or condition.

Causes

The exact cause of non-ossifying fibromas is unknown. They are thought to be related to the normal growth and development of bones. Non-ossifying fibromas are more common in boys than in girls, and they usually occur in the first two decades of life.

Diagnosis

Non-ossifying fibromas are usually discovered incidentally on X-ray. They appear as a well-defined, lytic lesion with a thin rim of sclerotic bone. In some cases, a CT scan or MRI may be used to further evaluate the lesion.

Treatment

Most non-ossifying fibromas do not require treatment, as they usually stop growing and begin to heal on their own once a child has finished growing. In cases where the fibroma is causing pain or has caused a pathological fracture, treatment may include surgery to remove the fibroma and/or stabilize the bone.