Primary malignant tumours of long bones in university of maiduguri teaching hospital: a review of 35 cases.

Abstract

Background: A working knowledge of bone tumours is of paramount importance. Though primary malignant bone tumours are rare compared to benign ones, critical are the decisions on treatment.

Aim: This study aims at describing the histopathological pattern of malignant long bone tumours as seen in University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital.

Materials and Methods: The records of all histologically diagnosed long bone tumours between 1989 and 2004 were retrieved from the Histopathology and Medical record Departments of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital. The age, sex, site of lesion and histological diagnosis were obtained from the histopathology registers, request forms and case notes of patients.

Results: There were 35 cases of Primary malignant long bone tumours. Osteosarcoma and malignant giant cell tumour were the most frequently encountered lesions with 37.1% and 34.3% respectively. The peak ages at presentation were 10-19 and 20-29 years in that order while the male: female ratio was 1.3:1 and the most common bone affected was the femur.

Conclusion: Osteosarcoma was the predominant primary malignant long bone tumour and most common among children and adolescents in Maiduguri and its environs.


Highland Medical Research Journal Vol. 4 (2) 2006 pp. 14-20