Primary bone tumours and tumour-like lesions in children in Zaria, Nigeria

ABSTRACT

Background: Studies on bone neoplasms are generally scanty globally and more so in children. Primary bone tumours and tumour-like lesions in children have not been reported from Zaria. Objective: To determine the relative frequencies; sex and age distributions; and anatomical sites of occurrence of primary bone tumours and tumour-like lesions in children in Zaria. Materials and Methods: A retrospective review of histopathology reports of 40 children with bone tumours and tumour-like lesions in 11 years of age. Results: Benign tumours accounted for 12 (30) of the 40 tumours reviewed (osteoma 2.5; osterochondroma 22.5; fibroma 5); while malignant tumours occurred in 19 (47.5) (osteosarcoma 5; Burkitt's lymphoma 37.5; diffuse lympholastic lymphoma 5). Tumour-like lesions accounted for 9 (22.5); all fibrous dysplasia. Out of 40 tumours; 23 (57.5) occurred in males and 17 (422.5) in females. The majority of tumours; 45occurred in the age group of 10-15 years; followed by 15 (37.5) occurring in the 5-9 years age range. The most common malignany was Burkitt's lymphoma 15 (37.5). Maxilla was the most common site for malignant (30) and benign tumours (12.5). Conclusion: This study has shown that; primary bone tumours are relatively uncommon in children in our setting: