A solitary osteochondroma of the sixth cervical spine: A case report

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Osteochondromas, the most common benign tumors of the appendicular skeleton, are uncommonly found in the spine. Although the cervical spine is the most frequent location of spinal osteochondromas, the lower cervical spine is less commonly affected. CASE PRESENTATION: We present the case of a 16-year-old female adolescent who presented with a hard palpable mass over the nape of the neck more toward the right side associated with non-radiating pain for 3 years. Radiography and computed tomography (CT) revealed an expansile bone lesion arising from the sixth cervical spinous process (C6). En-bloc resection of the tumor was performed, which alleviated her symptoms. A histopathological examination revealed the presence of an osteochondroma without any features suggestive of malignancy. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Osteochondroma is a common benign bone tumor, mainly found in the appendicular skeleton, with rare occurrences in the spine. It can be solitary or associated with multiple hereditary exostoses (MHE). The cervical spine is the most affected area, and its symptoms vary depending on its location. Diagnosis involves imaging, and surgical excision is recommended for symptomatic cases to prevent neurological compromise, and recurrence, and to confirm the diagnosis by histopathology. CONCLUSION: Diagnosing rare conditions such as cervical osteochondroma requires a high level of clinical suspicion and the assistance of imaging techniques in patients exhibiting relevant symptoms. Optimal outcomes were achieved using en bloc resection.