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Benign Bone-Forming Tumors

Osteoid Osteoma

An osteoid osteoma is a small, benign (non-cancerous) bone tumor that usually occurs in the long bones, like those in the legs or arms. It typically affects teenagers and young adults. People with an osteoid osteoma often experience sharp pain in the affected area, which usually gets worse at night and improves with over-the-counter pain medications. The tumor is small, usually less than an inch in size, and can sometimes be difficult to see on X-rays (best seen on a CT scan). Treatment may involve radiofrequency ablation of the lesion. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a medical procedure that uses heat to destroy tissue. During the procedure, a thin needle or probe is inserted into the osteoid osteoma. This probe sends out radiofrequency energy, which generates heat and destroy the tumor cells. For other patients, surgical removal of the tumor may be recommended.

Osteoblastoma

An osteoblastoma is a rare, benign (non-cancerous) bone tumor that typically develops in the spine or in long bones, like those in the arms and legs. It usually affects young adults and teenagers. Unlike osteoid osteomas, osteoblastomas can be larger and may not respond well to over-the-counter pain medications. Treatment often involves surgery to remove the tumor.

Enostosis (Bone Island)

An enostosis is a benign growth of bone tissue that occurs within a bone. It’s usually not a cause for concern and often doesn’t cause any symptoms. Enostoses are often found incidentally during X-rays or other imaging tests and typically don’t require treatment unless they lead to problems. Accurate diagnosis is imperative to ensure appropriate management of the lesion.

Osteopoikilosis

Osteopoikilosis is a rare bone condition characterized by the presence of multiple small, round spots of dense bone tissue scattered throughout the skeleton. These spots are typically found on X-rays and are often harmless. Most people with osteopoikilosis don’t have any symptoms and may not even know they have it unless it’s discovered during imaging for another reason. It’s generally considered a benign condition and does not usually require treatment.

Melorheostosis

Melorheostosis is a rare condition where one of your bones grows thicker and has an unusual, wavy shape, kind of like candle wax dripping down. This often happens in one arm or leg. People with melorheostosis may have pain or difficulty moving that limb. Treatment may be recommended to manage any limb deformities that may results from the condition.

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