clinical features

Last reviewed 01/2018

Generally, bone tumours present with:

  • pain
  • swelling
  • local tenderness

A primary bone tumour may be discovered accidentally as a result of a pathological fracture, or during an x-ray examination.

Benign and malignant bone tumours are difficult to distinguish clinically. Factors suggestive of malignancy may include:

  • rapid growth
  • accompanying warmth and tenderness
  • a lump with an ill-defined edge

Confirmation of malignancy may be obtained with the aid of high quality radiography, CT, bone scan and biopsy.