Benign fibrous histiocytoma of bone in a paediatric population: a report of 6 cases

Abstract

Case records and radiological investigations of six children with benign fibrous histiocytoma were studied retrospectively. BFH occurred in the femur (n = 2), tibia (n = 2) and fibula (n = 2). Clinically, patients reported pain from the lesion lasting several months (mean 6 months). The pain was not associated with pathological fracture in any patient. On X-rays, the lesions appeared as lytic and sharply demarcated with a sclerotic rim and fine trabeculations. The reported cases were located in the metaphysis and the diaphysis of the long bones. The tumour was restricted to bone, without periosteal or soft tissue reaction. Treatment consisted of careful intralesional curettage of the lesion; the defect was thereafter filled with bone bank graft or injectable phosphocalcic cement. The length of follow-up ranged from 24 months to 4.75 years (mean 35.2 months). One case presented with recurrence of the disease and required successful repeat intralesional curettage. Benign fibrous histiocytoma is probably underestimated among patients less than 20 years of age. This diagnosis should be considered in any child or teenager who presents with a non-ossifying fibroma accompanied by unexplainable pain or a rapid growing. Surgery restricted to the osteolytic lesion seems sufficient to achieve bone healing.