Osteoblastoma is a rare bone disease that causes new bone growth, often leading to pain and swelling. It can be treated with surgery or radiation therapy, but some forms may return after treatment. Left untreated, it can cause neurological symptoms and impair mobility. Treatment may involve an orthopedic surgeon and an oncologist.
Osteoblastoma is a rare type of bone disease in which new bone growth increases, creating a deposit of new bone where there was none before. It is similar in nature to osteoid osteoma, another condition in which smaller bone deposits form, and is more common in men, usually starting around age 17. This condition is usually benign, although bone growth can cause health problems, and can be treated using a number of means.
A patient with osteoblastoma usually experiences pain and swelling at the site of bone growth, sometimes for a long time. The pain may increase with activity and tends to persist while the patient is at rest. The growths commonly develop on the spine, femur, and tibia. With spinal growths, neurological symptoms such as tremors, numbness, and tingling sometimes occur due to pressure on the spinal cord.
Medical imaging studies should show a “hot spot” around the bone, indicating rapid accumulation of new bone. Surgery can be used to remove the excess growth and re-smooth the underlying bone. Some patients may also be advised to have radiation therapy to prevent the return of rogue cells and the creation of another osteoblastoma tumor. Some forms of this condition are thought to be aggressive and will return after treatment, potentially creating a lifelong problem.
Left untreated, osteoblastoma can cause problems for patients. Spinal tumors can create lesions in the spinal cord, leading to a variety of neurological symptoms, depending on the size and location of the tumor. High pressure on the spinal cord can cause significant pain to the patient and can impair their ability to walk and perform other activities. The growing lesion could also potentially break the skin if allowed to grow large enough, putting patients at risk of infection. Patients will also experience inflammation, pain and swelling around the abnormal growth and this can lead to a decline in quality of life.
Treatment for osteoblastoma may involve an orthopedic surgeon, a doctor who specializes in bone disorders, and may include an oncologist. Oncologists specialize in cancer and are familiar with guidelines for radiation therapy and the management of conditions in which there is uncontrolled cell growth. Patients should be advised that being referred to an oncologist does not necessarily mean a growth is malignant; your doctor may have the experience to perform additional diagnostic evaluations or oversee treatments for completely benign growths.
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