[lizhock]

7 year old son with bone lesion in leg

by lizhock on Tue Oct 21, 2014 2:36 pm

Hi there,

I'm at a loss.

My 7 year old son has been complaining about severe bone pain in a specific spot in his right leg for months. Finally, an xray was done and it showed a "lesion". He had an MRI right away of both legs. The results were "non specific findings," but mentioned bone marrow edema in both legs. The pain has gotten so bad that he takes Vicodin [hydrocodone + acetaminophen / paracetamol] at night. He has also said his back hurts him a lot. And that his stomach hurts.

He had a bone scan and a CT of his right leg, lumbar and thoracic. All were "normal". He had a CBC and they said that was normal.

He has been getting nosebleeds and wetting himself about once a week, which is highly uncharacteristic for him.

The doctors are now telling me that nothing is wrong – the lesion in the xray and the bone marrow edema must be a normal part of growing. And to stop giving him Vicodin when he is in pain.

Is there anything else I should do? Tests I should ask for? I'm at such a loss and this is my son, who never complains about anything.

Thanks.

[cindylouise]

Re: 7 year old son with bone lesion in leg

by cindylouise on Tue Oct 21, 2014 3:47 pm

Mothers know their children. You need a second or third opinion. I wish you the best of luck on finding out what is wrong.

[terryl1]

Re: 7 year old son with bone lesion in leg

by terryl1 on Tue Oct 21, 2014 3:50 pm

Hi Liz, I believe that myeloma in a seven year old child would be exceedingly unlikely, especially in the face of advanced imaging of the so-called lesion and normal CBC, etc.

For your own peace of mind, perhaps you could get a second opinion at a major children's hospital in your region.

Good luck and best wishes.

[Multibilly]

Re: 7 year old son with bone lesion in leg

by Multibilly on Tue Oct 21, 2014 5:50 pm

I agree with Terry's comments and all comments about getting a second opinion. It really is incredibly unlikely to be a monoclonal disorder like multiple myeloma at this age (thankfully).

Note that while it isn't a good idea to diagnose via google and you really should follow through with a different doctor at a different institution, I came across this just googling "bone marrow edema child".

http://ard.bmj.com/content/63/11/1528.full

But, there are other causes of bone marrow edema in children.

[Eric Hofacket]

Re: 7 year old son with bone lesion in leg

by Eric Hofacket on Wed Oct 22, 2014 1:01 am

It would be exceedingly rare to get myeloma at the age of 7. When I was at City of Hope, which has treated thousands of myeloma patients over the last few decades, I asked the age of the youngest person they have ever had who had myeloma. They said 17. My nephews had bone pain when they were pre-teens from “growing pains,” and that is what it was.

Like the other posters said, though, there are other diseases that can cause bone problems in the very young. And like myeloma, I can see how growing pains are so common and these more serious disease aliments so rare they often may get misdiagnosed. A second opinion would be good to give you some peace of mind.

[Rneb]

Re: 7 year old son with bone lesion in leg

by Rneb on Wed Oct 22, 2014 11:41 am

On your differential: (from most likely to least likely)

Nothing specific
Viral infection
Osgood-Schlatter's disease
Trauma
Bacterial infection
Lupus / Immune issues
Osteo-sarcoma of the bone.
etc.

I would seek out a Pediatric Orthopod / Endocrinologist .....and observe.

Good Luck.

[KLD]

Re: 7 year old son with bone lesion in leg

by KLD on Wed Oct 22, 2014 11:07 pm

It is difficult to have a sick young child without a diagnosis. I went through many difficult years only to have my child misunderstood and misdiagnosed. In my situation, his illness mimicked so many other things. I just want you to know that you will always be your son's best advocate. My son was eventually diagnosed with Lyme disease after years of pain.

I am new to myeloma and don't have any advice there. My husband was diagnosed in May.

There are other good forums out there for parents of sick children. I hope you get things figured out soon.

K