Which of the following is a malignant tumor of the bone?

Chitranjjan National Cancer Institute Kolkata - 2021

Pathology & Genetics

Easy

Appeared in: Chitranjjan National Cancer Institute Kolkata - 2021

Explanation

Osteogenic sarcoma (osteosarcoma) is explicitly defined as the most common primary malignant tumor of the bone.
It is characterized by the production of osteoid (unmineralized bone) or bone directly by the malignant sarcoma cells.
This type of cancer typically arises in the metaphysis of long bones, such as the distal femur and proximal tibia, especially during the adolescent growth spurt.
Clinically, it presents with pain, swelling, and can metastasize, most commonly to the lungs.

Option A: Fibrosarcoma is a malignant tumor, but it originates from fibrous connective tissue and is more commonly a soft-tissue sarcoma rather than a primary bone tumor.
Option B: A lipoma is a benign (non-cancerous) tumor composed of adipose (fat) tissue. It is a soft tissue tumor, not a bone tumor.
Option D: An osteoma is a benign (non-cancerous) tumor of the bone. The suffix '-oma' often denotes a benign tumor, whereas '-sarcoma' indicates a malignant one.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Classification of Bone Tumors as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses play a crucial role in caring for patients with osteosarcoma, involving pain management, monitoring for neurovascular compromise in the affected limb, providing emotional support, and administering chemotherapy.
Post-operative care is critical, especially for patients undergoing limb-salvage surgery or amputation. This includes wound care, phantom limb pain management, and facilitating rehabilitation.
A key nursing responsibility is recognizing red flags for potential bone tumors, such as persistent night pain, unexplained swelling, or a pathologic fracture (a fracture from minor trauma), and ensuring prompt medical evaluation.

How to Approach the Question

First, analyze the question stem to identify the key concepts: 'malignant tumor' and 'bone'.
Next, break down the terminology in the options. The prefix 'osteo-' relates to bone, 'lipo-' to fat, and 'fibro-' to fibrous tissue.
Understand the significance of the suffixes. '-sarcoma' typically indicates a malignant tumor of mesenchymal origin (like bone or muscle), while '-oma' often indicates a benign tumor.
Apply this knowledge: 'Osteogenic sarcoma' combines 'osteo-' (bone) and '-sarcoma' (malignant), making it a strong candidate.
Evaluate the other options: 'Lipoma' is a tumor of fat. 'Osteoma' has the 'osteo-' prefix but the '-oma' suffix, suggesting a benign bone tumor. 'Fibrosarcoma' is malignant but primarily associated with fibrous tissue.
Conclude that Osteogenic sarcoma is the most fitting answer for a malignant tumor of the bone among the choices.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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