Fibrous Dysplasia is a disorder described as an abnormal development of fibrous tissue causing bones to expand, making them weaker and more likely to fracture or become deformed, that affects the skeletal system (Mayo Clinic). Fibrous Dysplasia (FD) is a fairly rare disorder in which only 1 of 22,000 people are known to have; however, many people have few to none symptoms and there for have not been diagnosed. Though FD is rare in the general population, it is very common among bone tumors, meaning it is somewhat likely for a person with a bone tumor to have Fibrous Dysplasia as opposed to other types of bone tumors (“How rare”). Fibrous Dysplasia is typically non-cancerous, with less than 1% of patients having malignant lesions (Lesko). FD is typically discovered in childhood, adolescence, and adulthood, despite having affected bone growth since before birth (Lesko). FD can be Monostotic fibrous dysplasia, meaning only one bone is effected, or Polyostotic fibrous dysplasia, meaning several bones are effected. Fibrous Dysplasia can occur on its own or with McCune-Albright Syndrome (Lesko). The cause of Fibrous Dysplasia is unknown. It is believed to be due to a gene mutation causing a chemical irregularity in bone protein. Fibrous Dysplasia is not known to be an inherited disorder (“Fibrous Dysplasia”). Fibrous Dysplasia can cause pain in the area of the affected bone due to expanding fibrous tissue or nerve entrapment (“Fibrous Dysplasia”). If FD occurs with McCune-Albright Syndrome hormonal imbalances occur causing hyperactivity of the Thyroid gland, Adrenal glands, Pituitary gland, and Parathyroid glands (Lesko). Fibrous Dysplasia can create a waddling walk, bone fractures, bone deformities, and scoliosis (“Fibrous Dysplasia”). If FD occurs with McCune-Albright Syndrome skin discoloration will occur, creating large birth marks with uneven edges (Lesko).

 Lab Studies from 2005 conducted by Lietman SA, Ding C, and Levine MA.
    Lab Studies from 1994 conducted by Liens D, Delmas PD, and Meunier PJ.  

Molecular diagnosis using the techniques of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis with peptide nucleic acid (PNA) has shown that fibrous dysplasia patients have blood cells with the G protein gene (GNAS) mutation. Diagnosis of fibrous dysplasia or McCune-Albright syndrome could be helped by identification of this mutation in the peripheral blood. The utility of this technique is still being evaluated. Serum alkaline phosphatase levels are often elevated during active phases of this disease. This test could be useful to asses the evolution of disease in patients treated with bisphosphonates. About 25% of patients may have a vitamin D deficiency. Serum calcium, phosphate, and vitamin D levels are useful to exclude rickets. Pituitary gonadotropins and gonadosteroids are assessed to assist in the workup of precocious puberty. Patients with the polyostotic form of fibrous dysplasia, particularly McCune-Albright syndrome, must be evaluated to exclude hyperthyroidism, pituitary gigantism, or hypercortisolism (possible autonomous endocrine hyperfunction).

very similar symptoms. The main difference between the two is that OFD has osteofibrous stroma replacing normal bone, showing trabeculae surrounded by a regular rim of prominent cubic osteoblasts, mature lamellar bone and zonal segmentation with newly formed trabeculae mostly in the cortical region, unlike in FD (Bosse). There is no cure for Fibrous Dysplasia, however, there is treatment to help sooth pain and reduce symptoms. Fibrous Dysplasia can be treated medically with Osteoporosis medications to help strengthen bones, which will reduce pain and decrease the chance of fractures. FD can also be treated surgically to correct a deformity or difference in limbs, remove the lesion, fix a fracture, and relieve pressure on nerve if the lesion is on skull or neck (Mayo Clinic). Fibrous Dysplasia causes abnormal growth of fibrous tissue, most commonly in the skull or in long bones such as in the arms and legs. This abnormal growth of fibrous tissue where regular connective tissue is supposed to be causes the bone to be weak and typically leads to lesions, increasing the chance of a fracture occurring. The growth of fibrous tissue begins at before birth, but does not become apparent until later in childhood or adolescence. This is because noticeable symptoms, such as lesions, are difficult to spot and tend to grow during puberty. Fibrous Dysplasia can cause pain in the affected area due to the expansion of fibrous tissue. Though FD is benign and is not harmful 99% of the time, there is approximately a 1% chance of FD causing a malignant tumor. If that were to happen treatment would be based off the specific situation. If FD did not cause a malignant tumor than treatment would not be necessary but could be conducted if the patient felt it needed. The effects of Fibrous Dysplasia remain with the patient through adulthood, but do not continue to grow (Lesko).


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“Fibrous Dysplasia”. Health Library, John Hopkins Medicin. n.pag. Web 28 Mar. 2017. “How rare is Fibrous Dysplasia?” FAQs about FD/MAS. n.pag. Web 28 Mar. 2017 Lesko, Gina and Robert Quinn. “Fibrous Dysplasia”. OrthoInfo (2016): n.pag. Web 28 Mar.

        2017

Mayo Clinic Staff. “Diseases and Conditions: Fibrous dysplasia”. Mayo Clinic (2014):n.pag.

           Web 28 Mar. 2017.