Osteoblastoma
Treatment and Differentiation of Bone Lesions
Osteoblastoma is a rare bone neoplasm, radiographically characterized by areas of bone rarefaction, with denser foci of ossification. This tumor has two distinct clinical forms: genuine osteoblastoma, which is more common and is generally located in the pedicle of the spine or, less commonly, in the metaphysis of long bones; and aggressive osteoblastoma, also known as “malignant”.
Mainly occurring in the first and second decades of life, the clinical picture of osteoblastoma is marked by intense pain, which can lead to fractures and functional and neurological deficits, especially when it occurs in the spine, and can even cause antalgic scoliosis in some cases.
The differential diagnosis of osteoblastoma includes other bone lesions such as osteoid osteoma, aneurysmal bone cyst and osteosarcoma, and a careful evaluation is essential to determine the most appropriate therapeutic course.
Treatment of osteoblastoma generally involves en bloc resection of the lesion, with bone grafting when necessary. In regions such as the spine, where en bloc resection may be challenging, judicious curettage is performed. Furthermore, the use of local adjuvants, such as phenol and electrothermia, has been increasingly used in order to minimize the risk of recurrence.
In short, osteoblastoma is a pathology that demands specialized attention and a multidisciplinary therapeutic approach to guarantee the best clinical result and avoid future complications. Detailed knowledge about this condition is essential for an accurate diagnosis and an effective treatment plan, always aiming for the patient’s quality of life and well-being. Understanding the diagnostic nuances and available therapeutic options is critical to successful management of this condition. Therefore, it is crucial that healthcare professionals stay up to date on the latest advances in the field of osteoblastoma diagnosis and treatment.
Author: Prof. Dr. Pedro Péricles Ribeiro Baptista
Orthopedic Oncosurgery at the Dr. Arnaldo Vieira de Carvalho Cancer Institute
Office : Rua General Jardim, 846 – Cj 41 – Cep: 01223-010 Higienópolis São Paulo – SP
Phone: +55 11 3231-4638 Cell:+55 11 99863-5577 Email: drpprb@gmail.com