Differential diagnosis of bone cancer and benign bone tumors

In the differential diagnosis of bone cancer, it is also necessary to differentiate it from benign bone tumors in order to determine the corresponding treatment method. The key points of differentiation between the two are mainly the following four aspects:

1. Systemic reaction

Benign bone tumors and malignant bone tumors (bone cancer) differ in temperature, blood count, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate. Patients with benign bone tumors are generally in good condition and have less pain, while patients with bone cancer often suffer from weight loss, anemia, and significant pain. In the late stage, they may have obvious cachexia.

2. Development speed

Benign bone tumors generally develop slowly, and some stop developing at a certain age. Malignant bone tumors develop rapidly and may even form huge masses with distended surface veins.

3. Whether there is transfer

Benign bone tumors generally do not metastasize, while primary malignant bone tumors are more likely to metastasize to internal organs and other bones.

4. X-ray manifestations

The boundaries of benign bone tumors are usually relatively clear, and there is often a clear dividing line between them and normal bone. There is generally no periosteal reaction. If there is a reaction, the new periosteal bone is relatively regular and neat. The boundaries of malignant bone tumors are unclear, and there is no clear dividing line between them and normal bone. The periosteal reaction is disordered and may even form a solar radiation pattern.