A tumor in a 15-year-old boy was diagnosed in the diaphysis of the tibia. On x-ray examination,it had a sunburst appearance and histologically it was composed of a uniform population of small blue cells.This tumor is a(n):
A) Osteosarcoma
B) Chondrosarcoma
C) Giant cell tumor
D) Ewing's sarcoma
E) Metastasis from a lung cancer

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The sunburst appearance on x-ray examination and the histological features of a uniform population of small blue cells are characteristic of Ewing's sarcoma, which commonly arises in the diaphysis of long bones such as the tibia. Osteosarcoma and chondrosarcoma typically display different radiographic and histologic features. A giant cell tumor would typically have a more heterogeneous appearance on imaging and histological examination. Metastasis from a lung cancer would also display different radiographic and histologic features, as well as being highly unlikely in a 15-year-old boy.

A Tumor in a 15-Year-Old Boy Was Diagnosed in the Diaphysis