title: Metastatic transitional cell carcinoma of the tibia radiologically mimicking osteosarcoma.
abstract: We report a case of a 73-year-old lady with transitional cell carcinoma and no evidence of metastatic disease presenting with gradual weight loss, pretibial swelling and painful weightbearing. Investigations revealed a lesion of the right tibial diaphysis. The radiological and clinical appearance was that of primary osteosarcoma. Biopsy results revealed metastatic transitional cell carcinoma of the tibia. Intramedullary nailing was performed which relieved pain on weightbearing. The patient declined radiotherapy and was started on a palliative care regimen. This case illustrates the importance of histological diagnosis in the treatment of diaphyseal lesions.
authors.affiliation: The Adelaide & Meath Hospital Incorporating The National Children's Hospital, Tallaght, Dublin, Ireland.
authors.forename: Laurence Patrick
authors.initials: LP
authors.lastname: Cunningham
authors.forename: Barry James
authors.initials: BJ
authors.lastname: O'Neill
authors.forename: John Francis
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Quinlan
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001707:Biopsy, Needle; D001859:Bone Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000556:secondary* / Q000601:surgery; D002295:Carcinoma, Transitional Cell / Q000556:secondary* / Q000601:surgery; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D005594:Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods; D012516:Osteosarcoma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D049268:Positron-Emission Tomography / Q000379:methods; D011859:Radiography; D018570:Risk Assessment; D013977:Tibia / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D001749:Urinary Bladder Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery*