Bone Tumors and Their Evaluation

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary and definitions related to bone tumors, their classification, evaluation, and treatment.

Carcinoma

Malignant neoplasm of epithelial cell origin, derived from ectoderm or endoderm.

Sarcoma

Malignant neoplasm of mesenchymal tissue, mostly derived from mesoderm.

Osteosarcoma

A primary bone tumor accounting for 35.1% of cases, commonly seen in patients under 20 years.

Chondrosarcoma

A type of primary bone tumor that represents 25.8% of cases, usually occurring in individuals over 50.

Ewing’s Sarcoma

A malignant bone tumor found in children and young adults, comprising 16.0% of primary bone tumors.

Etiology

The study of the causes or origins of a disease or condition, including unknown factors, chemicals, radiation, and genetic abnormalities.

Tumor Suppressor Gene

Genes that help prevent uncontrolled cell growth; mutations can lead to malignancies.

Primary Bone Tumor

A tumor that originates in the bone itself, classified as either benign or malignant.

Benign Tumor

A non-cancerous growth that does not invade nearby tissues or metastasize.

Malignant Tumor

A cancerous growth that invades surrounding tissues and can metastasize to other parts of the body.

Biopsy

A medical procedure involving the removal of tissue to examine for signs of disease, commonly used in tumor evaluation.

Radiographic Evaluation

Assessment of bone lesions using imaging techniques such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs to determine the characteristics of a tumor.

Codman's Triangle

A radiographic finding associated with aggressive bone lesions where periosteal elevations create a triangular appearance.

Giant Cell Tumor

A benign but potentially aggressive bone tumor that typically occurs around the epiphyses of long bones.

Multiple Myeloma

The most common primary malignant bone tumor originating from plasma cells, characterized by multiple lesions.

Metastasis

Spread of cancer from the original site to distant locations in the body, common in bone tumors.

Palliative Treatment

Care aimed at relieving symptoms and improving quality of life in patients with serious illnesses, often used in advanced cancers.

Enneking Classification

A system used to classify the grade and stage of bone tumors to guide treatment decisions.