Definition:
Osteoid Osteoma pertains to a type of benign bone tumor often appearing in the long bones of the lower extremities. It most commonly affects the thighbone or femur, although it can also affect the hand bones and sometimes the lower part of the spine. Osteoid Osteoma typically affects teenagers and young adults.
Diagnosis:
Osteoid osteoma may be diagnosed through: X-rays; computerized tomography (CT) scan; magnetic resonance imaging (MRI); bone scan; complete blood count (CBC); and blood tests.
Treatment:
Osteoid osteoma treatment may involve a number of surgical options, such as: percutaneous radiofrequency ablation; curettage; en bloc resection; and internal fixation.
Symptoms and Signs:
Osteoid osteomas are described as tiny tumors that do not grow beyond half an inch in diameter. They typically manifest with the following symptoms: dull or sharp pain that worsens at night; pain that is usually relieved by aspirin or other anti-inflammatory drugs; limping; painful scoliosis and muscle spasticity (particularly when the tumor is located in the spine); disturbances in growth and development (when the tumor is involved with a bone's growth plate); muscle atrophy; bowing deformity; as well as nerve symptoms (such as sciatica) when located in the spine. While osteoid osteomas cause painful symptoms, they are generally considered benign because they do not usually harm the host bone. In young children, however, tumors appearing near a growth plate may deform the host bone. In general, osteoid osteomas do not metastasize and never become cancerous.
Causes:
No specific cause has been ascertained to explain why osteoid osteomas develop.
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