Osteoma is a Benign Bone Tumor. Mostly, it occurs in the head or skull. However, it can also occur in the neck or backbone. Osteoma usually grows slowly and does not show any symptoms in the beginning. In this article, we will take a look at different types of Osteoma along with its symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment. So, without further ado, let’s have a look at different types of Osteoma.
Types:
There are two types of this tumor:
- Compact: It is composed of lamellar bones (mature bones)
- Spongy: It is composed of trabecular bone with marrow.
Causes Of Osteoma:
The exact cause of this Benign Bone Tumor is still unknown. However, researchers say that one of the primary causes of Osteoma is the uncontrolled division of cells that form hard bone tissues. These hard tissues replace healthy bone tissue and form Osteoma.
Symptoms Of Osteoma:
If you experience, any of the following symptoms, there is a chance you may have Osteoma:
- Headaches
- Sinus infections
- Hearing or vision problems
You must keep in mind that having symptoms like headaches, sinus infection or vision, or hearing problems doesn’t necessarily mean you have Osteoma. Still, if you are worried about the symptoms, you need to make an appointment with your doctor right away.
Diagnosis of Osteoma:
Doctors generally use different medical techniques to diagnose several tumors, whether they are in the bones, brain, breast, or lungs. Following are the diagnosis methods that doctors mostly use to detect Osteoma:
ROUTINE EXAM:
The doctor asks questions about the symptoms, and you need to undergo a physical check-up to confirm or deny the presence of the tumor.
CT SCAN:
Computerized Tomography Scan or CAT scan takes the high-resolution images from the inside of our skull and neck. It is similar to X-RAY to some extent. However, it is way more powerful and unveils the location of benign tumor. In this way, the doctor can get an idea of the size and placement of the tumor in the body.
BONE SCAN:
A bone scan is another type of imaging test in which doctors use a dye as a tracer to locate the osteomas in the head, neck, and skull.
Treatment of Osteoma:
This Benign Bone Tumor doesn’t usually require any treatment if doesn’t show any symptoms at all. However, if the Osteoma shows symptoms like headaches, vision or hearing problems, and sinus infections, your doctor may suggest the following treatment methods:
Surgery:
The doctor may opt for surgery to remove the Benign Tumor. Surgeons mostly use EEA (Expanded Endonasal Approach) to remove the tumor by using a patient’s nose and nasal cavity as a natural corridor to approach the inaccessible tumors. EEA benefits the patient in terms of fast recovery, short hospital stay, and no scarring.
Medication:
The doctors may prescribe different pain relievers to the patients who are experiencing constant headaches. However, it’s not a permanent solution and only provides short term relief from the pain.
Percutaneous Radiofrequency Ablation:
Percutaneous Radiofrequency Ablation is an effective technique that uses radiofrequency waves to pulverize the tumor. Moreover, it prevents the tumor from growing back.
CONCLUSION:
All in all, Osteoma is a Benign Bone Tumor and falls in the category of Bone cancer. Osteomas may or may not be cancerous and usually grows in the neck and skull. The exact causes of this horrifying condition are still unknown. However, research shows that one of the primary causes of Osteoma is the uncontrolled division of cells in bone tissues. Like most cancers and tumors, it may not show symptoms at all. In general, the symptoms of Osteoma include severe headaches, sinus infection, as well as hearing or vision problems. The treatment options of Osteoma include surgery, Percutaneous Radiofrequency Ablation, and medication.
