Bone tumours of the clavicle: Histopathological, anatomical and epidemiological analysis of 113 cases

Backround: This retrospective study aimed to determine the frequency of bone tumours of the clavicle and their histopathological, anatomical and epidemiological characteristics in a large case series.

Methods: The records of 327 lesions of the clavicle collected from 1976 to 2018 in our bone tumour registry and institute of pathology were reviewed. Following data were evaluated: age, gender, side, radiological assessment, tumour location within the clavicle, and histopathological findings.

Results: Bone tumours were detected in 113 patients with a mean age of 40 years. The lateral third of the clavicle was most frequently involved. Analysis revealed 22 benign, 31 intermediate, and 60 malignant tumours. Eosinophilic granuloma was the most commonly found neoplasm (18.6%), followed by bone metastases (15.0%), Plasma cell myeloma (8.8%), Ewing sarcoma (8.8%), and Osteosarcoma (8.0%). 53% of the tumours were malignant. Mean age was 51 years in the malignant tumour group and 28 years in patients with a benign/intermediate lesion (p < 0.001).

Conclusions: The high incidence of malignant bone tumours of the clavicle found in this study highlight the importance of biopsy to prevent delay in diagnosis and treatment of these lesions, especially in patients with increased age. We believe that the results of this study are of clinical importance and may aid the physician in the management of these rare lesions.