Adamantinoma

Adamantinoma is a rare tumor that accounts for approximately less than 1% of all primary malignant bone tumors. Primary bone tumors begin in the bone, whereas secondary bone tumors spread to the bone from other body parts. 

The slow-growing tumor typically occurs in long bones in the legs and is quite aggressive at the tumor site. 

Timely diagnosis and treatment are necessary to tackle the mortality risk associated with this type of bone tumor. 

The exact origin of adamantinoma is not clear. Factors such as genetics, changes in DNA, and environment may likely influence the development of this type of bone tumor. 

Adamantinoma typically exhibits gradual and progressive growth. You may experience a slow-growing swelling, which may or may not be accompanied by pain. 

In most cases, the symptoms of adamantinoma persist for a long duration. These symptoms may include:

• Slow-growing swelling
• Painful or painless lump
• Bone deformities
• Fractures 
• Neurological deficits, in case the spine is affected

Adamantinoma may remain undetected in its initial stages due to mild symptoms and gradual progression. Patients often endure these symptoms for years before seeking medical assistance, leading to delays in diagnosis and treatment.

The tumor in adamantinoma displays biphasic patterns. The biphasic pattern of tumor is composed of both epithelial cells (covering skin, body cavities, and blood vessels) and osteofibrous tissue (bone and fibrous connective tissue) in adamantinoma. 

Adamantinoma is easily detectable when a tumor sample is studied under the microscope. Tests and procedures for the diagnosis of adamantinoma may include:

• Physical examination: Your doctor may perform a physical examination and ask for your medical history. Since the tumor causes symptoms of pain and swelling, the doctor may sometimes identify it during the exam. 
• Bone scan: A bone scan can be performed to look for the presence of tumor cells.
• Imaging test: Your doctor may order imaging tests to find unusual changes in bones that may be signs of adamantinoma. Imaging tests like MRI, CT scan, and PET scan can also reveal the nature of the tumor, its size, location, and whether it is malignant or not.
• Biopsy: A biopsy is done by extracting a tissue sample from the tumor to help identify the nature of its cells. This is the best method for diagnosing this type of bone tumor. 

The treatment plan for adamantinoma is designed based on the following factors:

• Your age and overall health
• Your medical history
• Type, stage, and location of the tumor
• Your tolerance for specific medicines and procedures

Treatment of adamantinoma is also determined by the growth rate of the tumor and whether it has spread to other body parts. Treatment of adamantinoma starts at a later stage, as it is often diagnosed only when the tumor reaches a noticeable size.

The treatment of adamantinoma may involve one or more of the following options:

• Surgery: Surgery is performed to remove the tumor cells from the affected area. However, further treatments like chemotherapy may be needed to lower the risk of the return of the tumor or to kill any tumor cells remaining after surgery. 
• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy uses strong medication to stop tumor growth or kill tumor cells. It can also be administered before or after the surgery.
• Radiation therapy: This treatment method uses radiation rays to kill tumor cells or keep them from growing in the affected area. 
• Clinical trial: Your oncologist may opt to conduct clinical trials to treat adamantinoma when traditional treatment is ineffective. These trials are based on new studies and drugs.

The treatment of adamantinoma depends on factors such as the stage of the tumor, the bone affected by the tumor, your age, and any other medical conditions you may have. At Sarcoma Oncology Center, we guide you through every step of your treatment journey.

At our office in Santa Monica, we design personalized and innovative plans for treating adamantinoma.

To schedule a consultation, please call us at 310-552-9999 or request an appointment online.