Diagnosis and Management of Pediatric Primary Bone Tumors in the Emergency Department

Points & Pearls Excerpt

• Bone tumors can vary significantly in their presentation, but the most common finding is musculoskeletal pain.
• The location within the bone may help narrow the differential diagnosis of a bone tumor. (See Table 1.)
• Differentiating between malignant and benign bone neoplastic conditions in the ED can help to expedite appropriate care for children.
• X-rays can identify nearly all benign and malignant bone tumors; however, radiographic findings may be subtle and an MRI may be needed to identify the full extent of the tumor.