Introduction: Bone neoplasms represent a diverse group of malignancies that significantly impact morbidity and mortality. These tumors primarily affect the appendicular skeleton and, while less common than other malignancies, are particularly notable due to their prevalence in adolescents and young adults. Given their potential for rapid growth and high metastatic potential, these neoplasms can be life-threatening. This study aims to explore the relative frequencies, age, and sex distributions, as well as the anatomical and clinico-pathological characteristics of bone tumors in a tertiary care hospital.
Materials and methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted in the histopathology section of the Department of Pathology at a tertiary care medical college in Western India over 18 months (January 2023 to June 2024). All histopathologically confirmed cases of bone tumors, both benign and malignant, were analyzed based on the WHO's recent fifth-edition classification. Clinical data, including age, sex, and anatomical site, along with radiological investigations, were also reviewed for final diagnosis.
Results: A total of 63 patients, ranging from three months to 66 years old, with a mean age of 25.8 years, were included in the study. Of these, 34 (53.9%) were male and 29 (46.03%) were female, resulting in a male-to-female ratio of 1.17:1. The highest incidence of primary bone tumors occurred in the 11-20 years age group. Benign tumors accounted for 36 cases (57.11%), while 27 cases (42.85%) were malignant. Giant cell tumors (GCTs) were the most common, with 12 cases (19.04%), followed by osteochondroma with 11 cases (17.46%). Among malignant tumors, osteosarcoma was the most frequent, with 11 cases (17.46%), followed by Ewing’s sarcoma with 10 cases (15.87%).
Conclusion: The majority of tumors in this cohort were benign, with a slight male predominance, particularly among young adults. The diagnosis of bone tumors requires a comprehensive approach, including clinical evaluation, radiological correlation, and histopathological examination (HPE). In certain cases, immunohistochemistry is essential for an accurate diagnosis, staging, and the development of an effective treatment plan.
