Periosteal chondroma
Periosteal chondroma is a benign tumor that occurs on the surface of the bones of a person. It is a very rare tumor that consists of cartilage. Cartilage is a flexible but tough connective tissue found in different parts of the body.
Thus, one can say that this tumor occurs in the fibrous membrane that covers the bone. Furthermore, this membrane consists of connective tissue and blood vessels.
Furthermore, cancer affects more boys than girls. Also, 50 percent of tumors of this type affect the long bones of the arm.
Causes.
Researchers know no exact cause of this cancer. However, the research is still going on if there is a link between various genetic factors and this tumor. On top of that, no environmental factors associated with the tumor till now.
Symptoms.
Usually, this cancer does not cause any particular symptoms that are the disorder is asymptomatic. However, some symptoms may appear in several children which include;
Tenderness at the site of the tumor.
Dull pain
A mass or swelling at the place of tumor, which you can see or feel easily.
Bones may break.
Further, the tumor doesn’t appear to spread to other parts of the body. However, it can grow as the child grows.
Diagnosis.
Before starting the main tests to diagnose cancer, your doctor will do a physical check-up. He/she will look for the physical signs of the tumor and ask you about your medical history.
Then, to confirm the tumor, he/she may perform the following tests;
X-rays. It will produce images of the bones.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). To produce detailed images of soft tissues, ligaments, muscles, and other structures of the body, your doctor may use an MRI. This technique uses a combination of a computer, radiofrequency, and large magnets.
Computed tomography (CT) scan. To examine bones, this test uses a combination of computer and X-rays, thereby producing cross-sectional images of the body.
EOS imaging. This Imaging technology can create models that are 3 dimensional from just 2 flat images. In this technique, your technician will take an image in an upright or standing position. This enables a better diagnosis due to a better position.
Needle biopsy. In this procedure, your doctor is going to insert a small needle into your lesion, and your skin. Thus, he/she will withdraw a little sample from the abnormal tissue. Then your physician will analyze the tissue to confirm any findings.
Treatment.
Numerous treatment options are available for these tumors. Besides, some children may even need a combination of different therapies. Furthermore, personalized care is important when it comes to treating periosteal chondroma.
There are numerous scenarios for the treatment. For instance, in ceetain cases, your healthcare professional may recommend a “watch-and-see” approach. This helps to monitor the growth and changes in the tumor.
However, if the tumor experiences some symptoms or the tumor keeps growing, then your doctor may recommend a surgical treatment, which includes;
Intralesional curettage. To eliminate the tumor, your surgeon scraps out the bone in this procedure.
Intraoperative adjuvants. Here, your doctor will try to remove the microscopic cancer cells by using various chemicals or methods. These include phenol, cryotherapy (liquid nitrogen), or burning the tumor bed (cauterization).
Bone grafting. In this procedure, your surgeon may try to replace your bone with a cadaver bone or an artificial graft.
Thus, after the surgery, your child may spend one night in the hospital or return home that day. This will depend upon the location and size of his/her tumor.
Follow-up
If treatment was the surgery, then your child will have more appointments with the doctor. The first visit maybe after 1 to 2 weeks and the next at 3 and 6 months after the surgery.
However, if your Child didn’t undergo any surgery, then your doctor will regularly monitor the tumor.
Besides, your healthcare professional may recommend some tests like X-rays to keep a track of the tumor. This helps your doctor closely monitor your condition.
Coping and support
When you get diagnosed with periosteal chondroma, it could be frightening for you. The condition will be no different for your family.
However, you may learn to cope with the uncertainty and distress related to cancer with time. Thus, you need to follow these instructions until then;
Call on for medical support:
Various things are going to help you. For instance, the knowledge and understanding of a medical social worker, or any other mental health professional is necessary. They will help you in understanding your cancer.
Furthermore, if your child or other family member suffers from cancer, you need to ask health care professionals for advice. They will provide you with options for medical health support. This will also provide you with emotional and social support.
In addition to this, you can check various online services that will provide you support to combat cancer.
- Gain more knowledge about periosteal chondroma to make decisionsabout control and care:
Ask your doctor about various treatment options related to periosteal chondroma. Little knowledge is dangerous. Therefore, more confidence in understanding and making decisions about treatment options will be there with you. So you should always learn more about the disease.
Ask the health care team for guidance if your child has cancer. Therefore, get more and more information for appropriately caring for the patient.
Be close to your friends and family:
A close and strong relationship with your family and friends is necessary. It will help you deal with periosteal chondroma.
You need practical support, moral support from your friends and relatives. Thus, someone should be there for you to look after the family. Emotional support from them is going to matter most. Thus, a healthy and happy person will ultimately efficiently fight the disease.
Prepare for your appointment
You are likely to start making an appointment with your primary care doctor if some signs and symptoms worry you. Ask for a referral to an experienced specialist if your doctor suspects periosteal chondroma.
A team of specialists typically can treat. For instance;
Orthopedic periosteal chondroma surgeons or orthopedic oncologists who have specialization in operating bone cancers.
Doctors who have a specialization in treating cancers with systemic medications or chemotherapy.
Pathologists diagnose the specific type of cancer by analyzing a tissue.
Rehabilitation specialists who after surgery help in the recovery of a tumor.
What you should expect from your doctor:
You will face several questions from your doctor. Thus, you should be ready to answer these. So, give more time to your doctor to address them. Your doctor may ask;
What signs and symptoms concern you more?
Have your symptoms been occasional or continuous?
When did you start to notice the symptoms?
The severity of your symptoms?
Is there anything that improves your symptoms?
Is there anything that worsens your symptoms?
Do you have any family or personal history of cancer?