Tumor-induced osteomalacia with the culprit lesion located in the palm: a case report

Tumor-induced osteomalacia (TIO) is a rare paraneoplastic syndrome. We herein report a rare case of TIO in a 58-year-old Chinese man who presented with a large lump in the right palm. Clinical, biochemical, and radiological assessments were performed. Laboratory examination showed severe hypophosphatemia, phosphaturia, an elevated serum alkaline phosphatase level, and an elevated serum fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23) level. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry showed low bone mineral density. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed an irregular mass located in the right palm and abnormal findings in several metacarpal bones. During the operation, the surgeons found that the tumor had penetrated the surrounding muscles. The tumor had unique characteristics of local tissue invasion. The patient’s symptoms fully resolved and his serum phosphorus level normalized, although his serum FGF-23 level remained slightly high in the postoperative phase. Our findings suggest that in some patients with TIO, the serum phosphorus level might return to the normal range despite a relatively high postoperative serum FGF-23 level. These patients should be kept under close observation and regularly surveyed for any evidence of a residual tumor.