(iv) Management of benign bone tumours

Benign primary bone tumours are rare, occurring most commonly in skeletally immature patients, arising from cartilage or bone. The commonest locations are the distal femur, proximal tibia and proximal humerus. They present with pain, swelling or pathological fracture. Diagnosis is by plain x-rays, MRI scans and a core needle biopsy if indicated. More aggressive tumours may appear radiologically to be similar to malignant tumours. Treatment depends on the anatomical location, symptoms, the natural history of the tumour and the morbidity of treatment and in most cases involves either simple excision or curettage although occasionally it is necessary to perform a complete excision using the same principles as for malignant tumours.