Chondromyxoid fibroma. A review of the literature and a report on our own experience.

The present paper comprises a review of the literature on chondromyxoid fibroma (CMF) and a report on nine cases originally classified as CMF, found in a review of all curetted bone lesions at our department from 1955 to 1978. At histologic revaluation only two cases fulfilled the criteria for true CMF, whereas six were classified as other benign bone lesions and one proved to be a chondrosarcoma. The chondrosarcoma case after recurrence was subjected to more mutilating surgery than would have been necessary if correct diagnosis had been established initially. The other six benign cases were all well and without signs of recurrence 5-11 years after curettage. In one of the two true CMF cases, i.e. in a young boy, there were for 2 years postoperatively radiological signs of a progressive recurrence, which was left without treatment, since the patient was well. Interestingly, radiograms 2 and 11 years postoperatively essentially showed the same picture, indicating spontaneous cessation of the process. Chondromyxoid fibroma is an extremely rare lesion. Histologic misinterpretation is not uncommon. In sporadic cases this may have serious implications. It may be questioned whether surgical treatment of CMF in young patients, known to have a high recurrence rate, is mandatory.