Osteochondroma
Related:
Osteochondroma is an overgrowth of cartilage that develops near a growth plate—an area of growing tissue at the end of the long bones in a child or adolescent.
A solitary (only one in the body) osteochondroma is the most common type of non-cancerous (benign) bone tumor. Multiple osteochondromatosis is the term used to describe osteochondromas that grow all over the body.
Once a child’s bones mature, osteochondromas no longer develop. If they do not cause a lot of pain, they may never need to be treated. Osteochondromas can become cancerous, but it is extremely rare.
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For Medical ProfessionalsThe cause of osteochondroma is unknown.
Common signs and symptoms related to osteochondroma are:
- Painless bump near the joints (most commonly knee and shoulder)
- Immediate pain and swelling
- Activity-related pain
- Forearm deformities
- Short stature
- Knock knees and ankles
To determine if your child has an osteochondroma, your specialized doctor may order imaging tests such as an X-ray or CT scan.
Non-Surgical Treatment
Instead, the doctor will carefully observe it and may take regular X-rays to keep track of any changes.
Surgical Treatment
Most of the time, solitary osteochondromas are not removed surgically. However, surgery may be considered after a child’s bones have matured, since this decreases the chance of the tumor growing back, and when:
- There is pain with activity
- There is pressure on a nerve or blood vessel
