MSK imaging: non-ossifying fibroma: practice question

A Radiology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

Try it

Radiology · MSK imaging: non-ossifying fibroma

Sample item

A 12-year-old has an incidental eccentric, lobulated, lytic lesion with a thin sclerotic scalloped margin in the distal femoral metaphysis, with no periosteal reaction. What is the best management?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

C. Reassure and observe, as it is a benign developmental lesion

A non-ossifying fibroma is a common cortical-based fibrous defect of the metaphysis that is incidental and regresses spontaneously. It is a do-not-touch lesion unless large, with risk of fracture.

Option by option

  • A. Urgent wide excision

    Excision is not required for a typical lesion.

  • B. Chemotherapy

    Chemotherapy is for malignant tumours.

  • C. Reassure and observe, as it is a benign developmental lesion (correct)

    Correct. This is a benign lesion that needs no treatment.

  • D. Amputation

    Amputation is not indicated.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

More Radiology questions

Questions about this Radiology question

What is the answer to this Radiology question?

The best answer is C, Reassure and observe, as it is a benign developmental lesion. A non-ossifying fibroma is a common cortical-based fibrous defect of the metaphysis that is incidental and regresses spontaneously.

Why is "Urgent wide excision" not the answer?

Excision is not required for a typical lesion.

Why is "Chemotherapy" not the answer?

Chemotherapy is for malignant tumours.

Why is "Amputation" not the answer?

Amputation is not indicated.

What concept does this question test?

It tests MSK imaging: non-ossifying fibroma in Radiology. It is a do-not-touch lesion unless large, with risk of fracture.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study MSK imaging: non-ossifying fibroma?

Learn signs with the image, and the disease they point to. Then use the flashcards and the other Radiology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.