A popliteal giant synovial osteochondroma mimicking a parosteal osteosarcoma

World J Surg Oncol. 2013 Sep 25:11:241. doi: 10.1186/1477-7819-11-241.

Abstract

Both giant synovial osteochondroma and parosteal osteosarcoma are rare musculo-skeletal tumors, often localized in the vicinity of the knee. Misdiagnosis of a malignant bone tumor can entail fatal consequences. Etiology of giant synovial osteochondroma is widely unsolved but is believed to originate from synovial chondromatosis, a mostly benign metaplasia of the synovial membrane. Parosteal osteosarcoma is a low-grade surface osteosarcoma with a propensity of local recurrence and the potential of distant metastasis and therefore requiring a different therapeutical approach. We report the case of a popliteal giant osteochondroma mimicking a parosteal osteosarcoma. Relevant facts of this rare entity regarding pathogenesis, treatment, and differential diagnoses will be discussed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Bone Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Bone Neoplasms / surgery
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Osteochondroma / diagnosis*
  • Osteochondroma / surgery
  • Osteosarcoma / diagnosis*
  • Osteosarcoma / surgery
  • Popliteal Cyst / pathology*
  • Popliteal Cyst / surgery
  • Prognosis
  • Synovectomy
  • Synovial Membrane / pathology*