Tumoral Calcinosis in Distal Femur: First Documented Case in a Tertiary Medical Center in Philippines

Abstract

Tumoral calcinosis is a rare clinical and histopathologic syndrome characterized
by calcium phosphate deposition in peri-articular soft tissue regions, most
commonly in the large joints of the hips, shoulders, and elbows. We present the
case of a 49-year old female with 8 months history of gradual increasing, painless
swelling along her left distal thigh. Plain radiography demonstrated a dense
lobulated cluster of calcific nodules within soft tissues consistent with a diagnosis
of tumoral calcinosis, as confirmed by histopathological examination. Using this
case as illustration, the first case of such nature in our institution, we reviewed
pertinent literature related to the management of tumoral calcinosis. Although
the pathogenesis in tumoral calcinosis is controversial, the ideal management is
surgical excision with complete removal of abnormal tissue to prevent recurrence
and to focus on the reduction of serum phosphate levels.