Fibro-osseous pseudotumour of the digit

Abstract

Background: A fibro-osseous pseudotumour of the fingers is a reparative and self-limited lesion that appears in the subcutaneous tissue. It presents as a rapid-growing painful mass. It has an excellent prognosis and rarely relapses if the excision is complete. The aim of this work is to present a case report and literature review.
Case report: A 14 year-old patient with a small, painful mass in the ball of the 2nd finger of his right hand. The X-rays performed showed a soft radio-opaque tissue lesion compatible with calcification of the 3rd phalanx. An excisional biopsy was performed for histopathological study.
Results: Given the history of the patient, the clinical presentation, imaging studies and the outcome of the excisional biopsy, the findings were consistent with a fibro-osseous digital pseudotumour. The patient currently does not currently have pain, with conserved mobility, sensitivity, and functionality of the affected finger.
Discussion: As with any finger lesion with clinical, radiological or morphological characteristics of malignancy, a differential diagnosis of a fibro-osseous pseudotumour of the fingers must be considered. Knowledge of this is important in order avoid unnecessary radical surgery, as this lesion is benign, and has very low rate of recurrence.