Osteochondroma Treatment & Symptom

Osteochondroma is a benign tumor that contains both bone and cartilage and usually occurs near the end of a long bone. Osteochondromas are usually discovered in persons 15 to 25 years of age. They are typically detected when the area is injured, or when they become large. It can be a hereditary condition, in which case it may be called hereditary multiple exostoses (HMS). Osteochondromas do not spread beyond the affected bone, and may grow in size as the child grows, but they cease to grow at skeletal maturity (when bones normally stop growing). However, very rarely, an osteochondroma can transform into a malignant condition later in adulthood. Doctors may want to keep an eye on the condition after skeletal maturity for this reason. Although this is extremely uncommon, the risk of malignant transformation is highest if the tumors are found in the pelvis, ribs, scapula and spine. Malignant transformation almost never occurs in childhood, but should be considered in an adult who is experiencing growth and pain in an osteochondroma, especially in the setting of multiple hereditary exostoses. The malignant condition associated with osteochondromas is most often chondrosarcoma, a cancer of cartilage, though it sometimes transforms into malignant fibrous histiocytoma or osteosarcoma. Chondrosarcoma that arises from osteochondroma tend to be low grade. They rarely metasta size (spread) and have a better prognosis than other forms of the disease.

Causes of Osteochondroma

Common Causes of Osteochondroma :

• The exact cause of osteochondroma is unknown.
• Multiple hereditary exostoses; in this rare inherited condition numerous osteochondromas develop throughout the skeletal system often leading to bone deformities, and the risk of cancer (chondrosarcoma) is increased to anywhere between 5-30%.
• Radiation treatment or exposure as a child .

Symptoms of Osteochondroma

Some common Symptoms of Osteochondroma :

• Soreness of the adjacent muscles .
• Pressure or irritation with exercise.
• Lower-than-normal-height for age.
• Lump is enlarging in size.
• A hard, bony lump, especially if it is in a long bone or the pelvis.

Treatment of Osteochondroma

• Medications (to control pain).
• Surgery (to remove the mass).