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Osteochondroma(Osteocartilaginous Exostosis)Pronounced: Oss-tee-oh-kon-drome-a
by
Michael Jubinville, MPH DefinitionAn osteochondroma is the most common type of harmless bone tumor. It starts in the cartilage that cushions bones. It can appear on the bones of the arms and legs. Sometimes it happens on the pelvic bones and shoulder blades. An osteochondroma usually stops growing when a person reaches full height. If the tumors are harmful, they will keep growing and spreading.
CausesThe cause of osteochondroma is unknown. A hereditary form of the disease may be linked to problems with your genes. Risk FactorsYour chances of osteochondroma are higher if you:
SymptomsOsteochondroma may cause:
DiagnosisYou 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:
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. TreatmentYour child's doctor will go over treatment options. These may be:
PreventionThere is no way to prevent osteochondroma since the cause is unknown. RESOURCES:American Cancer Society https://www.cancer.org Ortho Info—American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons https://orthoinfo.org CANADIAN RESOURCES:Canadian Cancer Society https://www.cancer.ca When it Hurts to Move—Canadian Orthopaedic Foundation https://whenithurtstomove.org References:Murphey M, Choi J, Krandsdorf MJ, Flemming DJ, Gannon FH. Imaging of osteochondroma: variants and complications with radiologic-pathologic correlation.
Radiographics. 2000;20(5):1407-1434. Osteochondroma. Bone Tumor website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Accessed January 29, 2021. Osteochondroma. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Accessed January 29, 2021. Osteochondroma. Johns Hopkins Medicine website. Available at:
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/conditions/adult/bone_disorders/osteochondroma_85,p00125. Accessed January 29, 2021. Osteochondroma. Ortho Info—American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons website. Available at:
https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/osteochondroma. Accessed January 29, 2021. Last reviewed September 2020 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
Mohei Abouzied, MD, FACP Last Updated: 1/29/2021 | |