Tumors about the knee in children.

Tumors are rare causes of knee symptoms in children but must be considered in the differential diagnosis of pediatric knee pain in order to avoid errors in treatment that could result in loss of limb or even life. Experience with 199 bone and soft-tissue tumors about the knee in children are reviewed. The majority of lesions were benign bone tumors (n = 101), with osteocartilaginous exostoses, nonossifying fibromas, and chondroblastomas predominating. Malignant bone tumors (n = 59) were less frequent, and osteosarcoma (n = 48) was by far the most common sarcoma. Soft-tissue lesions (n = 31) were much less frequent and included rhabdomyosarcoma, synovial sarcoma, fibrosarcoma, and desmoid tumors. A careful history, physical examination, and review of roentgenograms are essential to avoid errors in diagnosis. Malignant tumors require roentgenograms and laboratory studies in sequence to stage the patient. A properly performed biopsy established the diagnosis in most instances. Popliteal cysts, stress fractures, infection, myositis ossificans, histiocytosis, and other lesions can mimic tumors and delay correct diagnosis.