Cancer or tumor?

[Lynn3654]

My 4 year old granddaughter just had a CAT scan because of a bone hard immovable lump on the back of her head right at the bottom of her hairline. Her Dr. said she has to be seen by a neurologist and she will be probably having surgery with part of the bone removed and a steel plate put in. We are terrified, is this likely to be cancer and if so what are her chances? Also, is this dangerous to operate on because of the location to her brain and spinal cord? She has already survived being born with all her bile ducts to her Liver being blocked and had them replaced with bowel sections and has to be monitored for life. We noticed the lump a year ago and her Dr.said it was just bone, her new Dr. checked it and ordered the Cat scan and said it is something attached to the bone. WE are sick with worry.

[Lynn3654]

God bless you, and thank you for telling me all the possibilities, she is my heart, I will keep you informed as it may help others, Again, thank you so much for your concern.

[Godofredo MD]

Hi.

It would be difficult to say at this point without any histopathologic examination of the lump whether it is benign or malignant.

Skull tumors can either be benign or malignant. An osteoma is the most common of the benign types (about 30% of skull tumors) and is usually reported as a hard and painless growth in the skull. Other benign tumors include hemangioma, osteoclastoma, chondroma and osteoblastoma. Malignant tumors include chondrosarcoma, fibrosarcoma, and chordoma.

Whether surgery for this condition would be risky or not would depend on the extent of tumor infiltration and involvement of vital structures. It would be best to talk to your physician about possible treatment options for your granddaughter.

Good luck.