As a parent, it’s natural for you to worry if your child has pain or if you’ve noticed something different about the way they move. You might wonder whether your child has normal growing pains or something more serious.
Sometimes, pain or movement changes are caused by bone tumors. A bone tumor is an unusual growth in the bone. “Tumors form when cells grow out of control. Sometimes they affect the surrounding bone and tissue,” said Ahmed Elabd, MD, a pediatric orthopedic surgeon with Banner - University Medicine.
The word tumor might be alarming, but most bone tumors in children are not cancerous. They often don’t cause symptoms. When they do, they are usually treatable, especially when they’re found early.
Bone tumors fall into two main types:
Benign (non-cancerous) bone tumors
These are the most common types of bone tumors. They are usually similar to the normal tissue nearby and they don’t spread to other parts of the body. They might need monitoring and if they’re causing discomfort they could need to be removed.
Dr. Elabd said that common benign bone tumors in children include:
- Osteochondroma
- Non-ossifying fibroma
- Osteoid osteoma
- Chondroblastoma
- Giant cell tumor of bone
- Bone cysts including unicameral bone cysts (UBC) and aneurysmal bone cysts (ABC)
Malignant (cancerous) tumors
Malignant bone tumors in children are rare but they need medical attention right away. Even if a tumor is cancerous, modern treatments are often effective.
The most common types of malignant tumors in children are:
- Osteosarcoma, which often affects long bones like those in the arms and legs
- Ewing sarcoma
Signs and symptoms: When should I be worried?
If your child has any of these symptoms, contact a health care provider:
- Pain that doesn’t go away: Persistent pain, especially if it gets worse at night or after activity and gets worse over time, should be checked. “It might feel like a dull ache, similar to a toothache,” Dr. Elabd said. While many conditions could cause pain, it’s a good idea to rule out anything serious.
- Swelling or a lump: A lump or swelling near a joint or bone could be a sign of abnormal growth. "This can be the first sign of a bone or soft tissue tumor. These areas are usually firm and might be tender to the touch," Dr. Elabd said.
- Pathological fractures: These fractures happen in areas of bone that have already been weakened by a benign or malignant bone tumor or bone cyst. They show up on X-ray images taken to examine the fracture. “The health care team will discuss the findings and next steps with the family,” Dr. Elabd said.
- Other symptoms: Some tumors may cause fever, fatigue, night sweats or weight loss.
What happens if my child needs testing?
Testing is an important step in getting the right diagnosis. Remember that many bone tumors are benign and testing does not mean your child has cancer.
If your child’s provider suspects a bone tumor, they may recommend tests such as:
- X-rays and MRIs: "Work-up usually starts with an X-ray of the affected area, followed by an MRI," Dr. Elabd said. These imaging tests can show the tumor’s size, location and effect on nearby tissues.
- Biopsy: A small amount of tissue is removed, usually without an incision and guided by CT or ultrasound. The tissue sample can be analyzed in a lab to see if it’s cancerous. For cancerous tumors, further testing might be needed to see if the cancer has spread.
- Blood tests: These tests aren’t always needed, but your provider might order them to get more information about your child’s health.
My child has a bone tumor — what’s next?
If your child is diagnosed with a bone tumor, the next steps depend on whether the tumor is benign or malignant:
- Benign tumors: These may need to be monitored over time to make sure they don’t grow or cause issues. Some can be treated with injections. They can usually be removed with a simple procedure if needed.
- Malignant tumors: These may need surgery, chemotherapy and/or radiation, depending on the type of tumor and where it’s located.
Your provider can help you understand all of the available treatment options so you can make the best decisions for your child. A team of experts that typically includes a medical oncologist, musculoskeletal oncology surgeon, interventional radiologist, pathologist and, if needed, a radiation oncologist can help guide you and your child through treatment and recovery.
“Be sure to explain the diagnosis and engage your child in each aspect of their treatment. That process typically starts at the doctor’s office and continues at home,” Dr. Elabd said.
Daily life with a bone tumor: What parents should know
Here are answers to some common questions about pediatric bone tumors:
Can my child still play sports?
It depends on the type of tumor and the treatment. Your child may need to avoid high-impact sports but most children can take part in less strenuous activities. Always talk to your child’s provider before starting any sports or activities.
What can help with my child’s pain?
Your doctor may recommend medication, physical therapy or lifestyle adjustments to help with pain and movement limitations after treatment. Resting and following medical advice can help your child recover.
How can I help my child emotionally?
Dr. Elabd stressed the importance of parental support. Your child may feel frustrated, scared or isolated. "Being present and listening is the first step in supporting your child. Reassurance and maintaining a normal life rhythm can help your child during these challenging times,” he said.
Encourage open conversations and keep your child engaged in hobbies, family time and social activities. Consider professional counseling if your child is struggling emotionally.
Where can I find help and support?
Navigating your child’s bone tumor diagnosis can feel overwhelming but these resources can help:
- Pediatric specialists with experience in bone tumors can provide expert care.
- Parent support groups can offer connection and advice from others who understand what you’re going through.
The bottom line
Bone tumors in children may be frightening but most are not cancerous and can be treated. If your child has persistent pain or other symptoms you’re concerned about, trust your instincts and consult a health care provider or an expert at Banner Health. Early diagnosis makes a difference.
