What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Fibro-Osseous Pseudotumour of Digit
• FOPT (Fibro-Osseous Pseudotumor of Digit)
• Pseudomalignant Osseous Tumour of Soft Tissue

What is Fibro-Osseous Pseudotumor of Digit? (Definition/Background Information)

• Fibro-Osseous Pseudotumor of Digit (FPD) is a benign, rapidly-growing tumor comprising of fibrous tissue and bone that is mostly observed in the finger. Their characteristics make them resemble a ‘pseudosarcoma’
• The tumor may occur in individuals of any age, but is more frequent in physically active young adult women. A majority of the individuals with Fibro-Osseous Pseudotumor of Digit have a history of trauma; FPD may develop as a reaction to a trauma
• Fibro-Osseous Pseudotumor of Digit may cause local swelling at the site with pain and redness. FPD may be diagnosed through radiological studies and tissue biopsy
• Complications associated with the condition include restricted movement of the affected finger or hand. In extremely rare cases, they are known to transform into a malignancy
• Fibro-Osseous Pseudotumor of Digit cannot be effectively prevented. The treatment involves a surgical removal of the tumor. The prognosis with appropriate treatment is generally excellent

Who gets Fibro-Osseous Pseudotumor of Digit? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Fibro-Osseous Pseudotumor of Digit is a rare condition that may affect individuals of a wide age group. It is seen in infants, children, and adults, from a year old to age 95 years
• However, the tumor is mostly observed in young adults (mean age 32 years) who are physically active
• Both males and females are affected, though there is a female predominance
• There are no known ethnic or racial group bias associated with FPD; the condition is observed worldwide

What are the Risk Factors for Fibro-Osseous Pseudotumor of Digit? (Predisposing Factors)

The risk factors for Fibro-Osseous Pseudotumor of Digit may include the following:

• History of trauma: In between 60-75% of the cases, a history of injury to the soft tissue is noted
• When no trauma is evident, it may be due to prolonged/repetitive low-intensity mechanical trauma, inflammation, or lack of proper blood supply to the region that may occur from various causes
• The tumor often develops in individuals who are physically active, and so, participation in sports or athletics and regular exercising may be considered risk factors
• Female gender: FPD is commonly seen in young adult females

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases ones chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Fibro-Osseous Pseudotumor of Digit? (Etiology)

The cause of Fibro-Osseous Pseudotumor of Digit is not well-established.

• It may be caused by an abnormal reaction of the body to trauma. It is believed that a soft tissue injury response is the triggering event for development of the tumor, in most cases
• The trauma or injury may occur from sports, physical activities, or due to various other factors

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Fibro-Osseous Pseudotumor of Digit?

The signs and symptoms associated with Fibro-Osseous Pseudotumor of Digit include:

• Formation of a rapidly-growing benign tumor-like lump, mostly in the fingers (index, middle, or ring finger)
• Local swelling of the site with pain and redness is seen
• With time, the tumor that is confined to the local area can become hardened
• Size of the hardened mass is less than 5 cm (on an average)
• The phalanges (finger bones) are the most common sites of the tumor, especially the proximal phalange of the finger (finger bone closest to the palm of hand)
• Sometimes, the toes may be affected
• There is no loss of sensation in the affected digit, but mobility may be limited

How is Fibro-Osseous Pseudotumor of Digit Diagnosed?

The diagnostic procedures used for Fibro-Osseous Pseudotumor of Digit may include:

• Complete evaluation of medical history along with a thorough physical exam
• Blood tests: It may show elevated levels of alkaline phosphatase and bone specific alkaline phosphatase
• Imaging studies, such as X-rays, CT and MRI scans, of the affected finger or toe
• Tissue biopsy of the tumor: A tissue biopsy is performed and sent to a laboratory for a pathological examination. A pathologist examines the biopsy under a microscope. After putting together clinical findings, special studies on tissues (if needed) and with microscope findings, the pathologist arrives at a definitive diagnosis. Examination of the biopsy under a microscope by a pathologist is considered to be gold standard in arriving at a conclusive diagnosis

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Fibro-Osseous Pseudotumor of Digit?

The complications associated with Fibro-Osseous Pseudotumor of Digit include:

• Decreased mobility and limitation of movement of the affected finger and consequently of the hand
• Recurrence of FPD is known to take place in extremely rare circumstances
• In very rare cases, it may transform to a malignant osteosarcoma

How is Fibro-Osseous Pseudotumor of Digit Treated?

The treatment measures available for Fibro-Osseous Pseudotumor of Digit include:

• The preferred treatment is complete simple surgical excision (through an excisional open biopsy), which can result in a cure
• However, the healthcare provider may choose the procedure that is best-suited to treat the condition
• Follow-up care with regular screening and check-ups are important and encouraged

How can Fibro-Osseous Pseudotumor of Digit be Prevented?

• Currently, there are no specific methods or guidelines to prevent Fibro-Osseous Pseudotumor of Digit
• The use of suitable protective safety gear and proper practices while participating in high-risk sports or while exercising can help avoid injuries to some extent

What is the Prognosis of Fibro-Osseous Pseudotumor of Digit? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

Fibro-Osseous Pseudotumor of Digit is a benign tumor that is thought to develop in response to an injury. With adequate surgical treatment, the prognosis is generally excellent in most cases.

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Fibro-Osseous Pseudotumor of Digit:

• Myositis ossificans circumscripta (MOC) is a benign bony tumor that is caused by formation of bone in soft tissue, in an area of injury. It can occur anywhere in the body, but is frequently seen in the limbs or shoulder

The following link may help you understand myositis ossificans circumscripta:

https://www.dovemed.com/diseases-conditions/myositis-ossificans-circumscripta/