Spectrum of Musculoskeletal Tumours in Children in a Tertiary Hospital in Nigeria

Abstract

Musculoskeletal tumours in children are a source of concern for the orthopaedic surgeon and paediatric oncologist. In Nigeria and other parts of sub Saharan Africa, where infectious diseases like malaria, tuberculosis and malnutrition are the leading causes of illness among children, little attention is given to paediatric oncology. This study was aimed at determining the spectrum of these tumours in children at our centre, and arriving at the common types of these tumours and the sites involved. METHODOLOGY: This was a retrospective study analysis of the pathology records from the cancer registry and the case notes of children who were diagnosed clinically and histologically, and managed for musculoskeletal tumours at the Jos University Teaching hospital Nigeria, from 2000 to 2009. RESULTS: A total of 90 musculoskeletal tumours in children were identified. The ages of the children ranged from 11 months to 18 years with a mean age of 10.9 years +/-5.1 years. The male female ratio was 1.3: 1.70(77.7%) tumours were malignant while, 20(22.2%) were benign. For the malignant variety, Rhabdomyosarcoma made up, 54(77.1%), Osteosarcoma 8(11.4%), Fibrosarcoma 5(7.1%). The benign tumour varieties were; Osteochondroma 5(25%), Giant cell tumour 2(10%), Angio fibroma 2(10%), Osteoid osteoma 2(10%). The anatomic regions affected were; head and neck 27(30.0%), trunk 20(22.2%), thigh 10(11.1%), legs 10(11.1%). CONCLUSION: Malignant tumours made up most of the musculoskeletal tumours in children. Rhabdomyosarcoma was the commonest malignant tumour and osteochondroma the commonest benign. The head and neck was the anatomical site mostly affected.