An osteoma is a benign bone growth that typically forms on existing bone structures. This article clarifies what osteomas are and addresses whether these growths naturally disappear.
Understanding Osteomas
Osteomas are generally characterized as benign bone tumors that do not spread to other parts of the body. These growths are usually slow-growing and present as hard, smooth lumps. They are composed of mature bone tissue, which can be either dense (compact) or contain marrow-like spaces (spongy), or a combination of both types of bone material.
While osteomas can form on various bones, they are most commonly found on the skull and facial bones, including the paranasal sinuses and jawbone. They can also appear on long bones, such as the shin and thigh bones. Most osteomas do not cause symptoms and may only be discovered incidentally during medical imaging for other conditions.
Do Osteomas Go Away on Their Own?
Generally, osteomas, particularly those found in the skull and facial bones, do not go away or shrink on their own once they have formed. These growths are composed of mature bone tissue, making them permanent structures.
While the general osteoma tends to persist, a specific type known as an osteoid osteoma, which often occurs in the long bones, can sometimes regress naturally over several years. This spontaneous resolution is not common for all osteomas and can take several months to up to 6-7 years.
When to Seek Medical Advice
While many osteomas remain asymptomatic, certain situations warrant seeking medical advice. If an osteoma begins to cause pain, it warrants professional evaluation. Pain can result from the osteoma pressing on nearby nerves or other sensitive structures.
Pressure from an osteoma can lead to various complications depending on its location. For instance, an osteoma near the eye might cause the eye to protrude (proptosis), or one in the ear could lead to temporary hearing loss. Growths in the sinuses may obstruct drainage, potentially leading to recurrent sinus infections or headaches. Any rapid change in size or new symptoms should also prompt a medical consultation.
Treatment and Monitoring Options
For osteomas that do not cause symptoms or complications, a “watch and wait” approach is often recommended. This involves periodic monitoring of the growth to ensure it remains stable and does not begin to cause issues. Regular imaging studies, such as CT scans, can be used to track the osteoma’s size and observe any changes.
When an osteoma becomes symptomatic, causes functional impairment, or presents significant cosmetic concerns, surgical removal is the primary treatment option. This procedure involves excising the bony growth, often using techniques that minimize scarring, such as making incisions behind the hairline for forehead osteomas. For osteoid osteomas, less invasive options like radiofrequency ablation, which uses heat to destroy the tumor, may also be considered. Surgical removal is generally considered curative for osteomas.