Classical and atypical location of adamantinomas--presentation of two cases.

BACKGROUND: Adamantinomas are rare low-grade primary bone tumors of unknown histological origin. They typically develop in the diaphyses and metaphyses of long bones, prevalently the tibia.

CASE REPORTS: The cases of 2 female patients, one with localized swelling of the lateral metatarsals and one with pain of the tibia are being reported. The diagnostic work-up including biopsy verified an adamantinoma in both cases. In the younger patient, the tumor was located in the metatarsals 4 and 5, in the older patient in the left tibial diaphyses. In both patients, an en-bloc resection of the tumor with wide surgical margins was performed. Further follow-ups 73 and 36 months after surgery showed no local recurrence or metastatic spread.

CONCLUSION: Adamantinomas of the short bones are rarely reported. In accordance to the literature, an en-bloc resection with wide surgical margins seems to reduce the risk of local recurrence and metastatic spread.