Our Summary

This research paper is about a rare type of benign (non-cancerous) tumor called a fibro-osseous pseudotumour that can affect the fingers. Because it’s so uncommon and because it can look like a cancerous tumor, doctors often misdiagnose it and patients may undergo more aggressive treatment than necessary. The paper discusses a case where a 48-year-old man had one of these tumors in his right ring finger, which was successfully removed with a simple surgery. This is only the second recorded case in Australia. The authors also review other studies on this rare tumor to guide diagnosis and treatment.

FAQs

  1. What is a fibro-osseous pseudotumour and why is it often misdiagnosed?
  2. What is the recommended treatment for a fibro-osseous pseudotumour according to the research paper?
  3. How many cases of fibro-osseous pseudotumour have been recorded in Australia?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor may advise a patient undergoing hand surgery to follow their post-operative instructions carefully to promote proper healing and minimize the risk of complications. This may include keeping the hand elevated, performing hand exercises as recommended, and attending follow-up appointments to monitor progress. Additionally, the doctor may stress the importance of maintaining good hand hygiene to prevent infection at the surgical site.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended hand surgery include those with:

  1. Benign and malignant tumors: Patients with tumors in the hand, whether benign or malignant, may require surgery to remove the tumor and prevent further spread or growth.

  2. Traumatic injuries: Patients who have suffered traumatic injuries to the hand, such as fractures, dislocations, or tendon injuries, may require surgery to repair the damage and restore function.

  3. Chronic conditions: Patients with chronic conditions affecting the hand, such as arthritis or carpal tunnel syndrome, may require surgery to alleviate pain and improve function.

  4. Congenital abnormalities: Patients born with congenital abnormalities of the hand, such as polydactyly (extra fingers) or syndactyly (webbed fingers), may require surgery to correct the abnormalities and improve hand function.

  5. Nerve compression: Patients with nerve compression syndromes, such as cubital tunnel syndrome or radial tunnel syndrome, may require surgery to decompress the affected nerve and relieve symptoms.

  6. Tendon injuries: Patients with tendon injuries, such as ruptures or tears, may require surgery to repair the tendon and restore function.

  7. Dupuytren’s contracture: Patients with Dupuytren’s contracture, a condition in which the fingers become permanently bent towards the palm, may require surgery to release the contracture and improve hand function.

Overall, hand surgery is recommended for patients with a variety of conditions affecting the hand, ranging from benign tumors to traumatic injuries to chronic conditions. The goal of hand surgery is to improve hand function, alleviate pain, and restore the patient’s quality of life.

Timeline

Before hand surgery:

  1. Patient notices unusual growth or lump on their finger
  2. Patient visits a doctor for evaluation and possible diagnosis
  3. Doctor orders imaging tests, such as X-rays or MRI, to determine the nature of the growth
  4. Patient undergoes biopsy to confirm diagnosis
  5. Doctor recommends hand surgery as treatment option

After hand surgery:

  1. Patient undergoes pre-operative evaluation and preparation for surgery
  2. Hand surgery is performed to remove the fibro-osseous pseudotumour
  3. Patient undergoes post-operative care and rehabilitation
  4. Patient may experience pain, swelling, and limited mobility in the hand
  5. Patient attends follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor healing and recovery
  6. Patient gradually regains full function and mobility in the hand

Overall, the patient may experience a period of discomfort and limited functionality immediately after hand surgery, but with proper care and rehabilitation, they can expect to recover fully and resume normal activities.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is a fibro-osseous pseudotumour and how is it different from other types of tumors?
  2. How common is this type of tumor in the fingers and what are the risk factors associated with it?
  3. What are the symptoms of a fibro-osseous pseudotumour in the fingers and how is it typically diagnosed?
  4. What are the treatment options for a fibro-osseous pseudotumour in the fingers and what are the potential risks and benefits of each option?
  5. What is the success rate of surgery for removing a fibro-osseous pseudotumour in the fingers and what is the recovery process like?
  6. Are there any long-term complications or risks associated with having had a fibro-osseous pseudotumour in the fingers?
  7. How often should follow-up appointments be scheduled after surgery to monitor for any recurrence of the tumor?
  8. Are there any lifestyle changes or precautions that should be taken to prevent future tumors from developing in the fingers?
  9. Are there any support groups or resources available for individuals who have been diagnosed with a fibro-osseous pseudotumour in the fingers?
  10. What are the implications of having had a fibro-osseous pseudotumour in terms of future hand health and function?

Reference

Authors: Zhou J, McLean C, Keating C, Finkemeyer J, Morsi A. Journal: Hand Surg. 2015 Oct;20(3):458-62. doi: 10.1142/S0218810415720193. PMID: 26388010