Introduction
A tumor is a mass of tissue inside the body when a group of abnormal cells joins together. They can occur in any part of the body and affect tissues, skin, and glands. The tumors can be divided into three types. It can be cancerous, noncancerous, or precancerous. Noncancerous or benign tumors are not fatal but can cause certain complications, and one such noncancerous tumor is known as a chondromyxoid fibroma.
What Is Chondromyxoid Fibroma?
Chondromyxoid fibroma is one of the rare types of bone tumors. This is a tumor of the cartilage. Cartilage is the tissue that is rubber-like that protects the side and ends of the bone. The cartilage reduces friction and prevents the joints from rubbing together. There is less than one percent of cases of chondromyxoid fibroma in all bone tumors. The cells of chondromyxoid fibroma do not travel to different parts of the body, like cancer cells but can invade the tissues nearby and cause complications. It is mostly seen in children and adults, and the age criteria fall between 10 to 30.
What Causes Chondromyxoid Fibroma?
The exact cause of chondromyxoid fibroma is unknown. Though there is no proof of it, exposure to certain radiation or chemicals can lead to this condition.
What Are the Symptoms of Chondromyxoid Fibroma?
Some of the common symptoms include:
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Swelling.
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Tenderness.
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A lump is seen under the skin.
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Mild to severe pain.
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Weakness.
How Is Chondromyxoid Fibroma Diagnosed?
If the lump or swelling is clinically visible, the doctor will examine it properly and note the patient’s complete medical history. The doctor will ask how chronic the pain is and if the pain stops when the foot is at rest. To confirm the diagnosis, certain tests are advised that include:
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X-ray: An X-ray is taken to get a clear and dense image of the bone and is a great asset in diagnosing the condition. Almost all the chondromyxoid fibromas are one to four centimeters in size. The X-ray uses high-frequency waves that give a black and white image that is transferred to the computer screen.
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Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): An MRI is an imaging test that is done to get a more clear image and the size of the tumor. It also uses magnetic waves and a computer to record the images. During the examination, the machine generates a squeaky and sharp noise that may cause irritability, so earplugs are given to block the noise. The examination takes half an hour to one hour to complete. The patient may feel slight discomfort or dizziness after the test but recovers within some time.
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Computed Tomography (CT) Scan: A CT scan is also a type of imaging test that is sometimes done along with an MRI to get the exact size and site of the tumor. It uses a set of X-rays through high-frequency magnetic waves. A healthcare expert will ask the patient to lie comfortably on the table. In a CT scan, the X-ray is rotated in a circular motion, capturing different angles or views of the affected site. Certain precautions before the CT scan, such as removing any earrings or metal jewelry and not eating any solid heavy food just before the test, are taken. If the test is without contrast, the patient can eat and drink before the examination. The technologist who handles the machine will sit in a different room and guide through a speaker connected in both rooms. The X-ray will absorb the body tissue, which will be transferred to the computer that will create the image of the tumor around the bones. The scan takes 15 to 30 minutes to complete.
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Biopsy: A biopsy is only sometimes taken to confirm the diagnosis after an imaging test. A tissue sample is taken to check whether the cells are normal. Firstly a healthcare expert will give local anesthesia on the affected site to numb the pain. Next, with the help of a fine needle, the tissue or tumor sample is collected. The sample is then transferred to a sterile container and sent to a laboratory for further investigation.
What Are the Differential Diagnosis of Chondromyxoid Fibroma?
Some of the differential diagnoses of this condition include:
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Aneurysmal Bone Cyst: It is a benign neoplasm or bone tumor in which the bones are filled with blood. It is a rare type of tumor and affects only 1 in 100,00 people.
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Giant Cell Tumor of Bone: It is a rare noncancerous tumor of the bone that occurs in the bones of the legs and arms.
How Is Chondromyxoid Fibroma Treated?
Some of the treatment options include:
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Curettage: It is the most common method done to treat chondromyxoid fibroma. A surgical instrument called a curette is used to scrape out the tissue of the tumor. The area is numbed by applying anesthesia. After the tumor is scraped out, the hole is filled with a bone graft. In bone grafts, the bone is taken from the other part of the body or a donor. The surgical site may take a few weeks to heal. A chemical called phenol is used after the surgery to kill the remaining tumor cells.
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Cryotherapy: It is a simple procedure in which liquid nitrogen or certain chemicals are added to the bone cavity to reduce tumor recurrence. With the help of a cryoprobe, the tumor area is frozen. The extreme cold leads to destruction and damages the abnormal tissue cells, and reduces swelling.
Conclusion
Chondromyxoid fibroma is a rare type of bone tumor that affects children and young adults. It can cause swelling and pain in the affected site. The cause of this condition is still under study, but sometimes exposure to certain chemicals can lead to a tumor inside the skin. It can be detected through various means like CT scan, MRI, and biopsy can easily detect tumors and abnormal cell growth in the body. It is a benign or noncancerous condition, so do not cause any harm. Once diagnosed, it should be treated immediately to avoid any complications. Curettage is the best treatment option that helps in fully removing the tumor and has a very low chance of recurrence. After the treatment also, it is necessary to keep in touch with the doctor and get a regular checkup for the same as there are chances of recurrence.
