Osteochondroma
Overview
Causes
The cause of osteochondroma is unknown. A hereditary form of the disease may be linked to problems with your genes.
SymptomsandDiagnosis
Symptoms
Osteochondroma may cause:
-
A hard, bony lump that may be:
- Painless and not tender, but the tissue around it may become irritated and painful
- Enlarging in size
- A long bone that breaks with less than the usual amount of force
- Pressure on nearby structures, including nerves
Diagnosis
You will be asked about your child's symptoms and health history. Your answers and a physical exam may point to osteochondroma. They may also have:
Imaging tests such as:
- X-rays
- CT scan
- MRI scan
- Ultrasound
- Angiography
Your child's doctor may do a biopsy . A tissue sample is taken and checked in a lab. This will determine if the lump is cancerous.
Treatments
Treatment
Your child's doctor will go over treatment options. These may be:
- Monitoring—If the lump is not causing pain or other problems, it may be left alone. You and the doctor will keep track of it for any changes or new problems.
- Surgery—The lump is removed if it causes pain or other complications. It’s also removed if there is a chance of cancer. If the bone is weak, it can be rebuilt. Rebuilding the bone is done over a long period of time.
This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.
Edits to original content made by Denver Health.
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