exostosis

What is Exostosis?

Exostosis, also known as bone spur or osteoma, is a benign growth of new bone on top of existing bone [10]. It can occur in many parts of the body, including the ribs, ankles, knees, and even the ear canal [2].

Types of Exostoses

There are several types of exostoses, including:

• Bone spurs (osteophytes) [1]
• Surfer's ear (exostoses in the outer ear canal) [3]
• Reactive lesions consisting of compact proliferation of layers of bone in a mound [4]

Characteristics of Exostosis

Exostosis is typically a noncancerous growth that can cause chronic pain, ranging from mild to debilitatingly severe, depending on its size and location [2]. It may be painful when moving or using the affected bone. Many exostoses don't cause symptoms and might never be detected.

Causes of Exostosis

The causes of exostosis are attributed to a combination of genetic and environmental factors [15]. Genetic mutations, inherited conditions, and repetitive exposure to cold water (such as in surfers) can increase the risk of developing exostosis.

Definition of Exostosis

Exostosis is defined as a benign bony tumor commonly found in the medial half of the ear canal, often associated with repetitive exposure to cold water [6]. It can also be described as a compact proliferation of layers of bone in a mound [4].

Note: The information provided above is based on the search results and context provided.

Exostosis, also known as osteochondroma, is a type of abnormal bone growth that can occur on any bone in the body. While many people with exostosis do not experience any symptoms, some may have various signs and symptoms depending on the location and size of the growth.

Common Symptoms:

• No symptoms at all: Many people with exostosis do not have any noticeable symptoms, and the condition is often discovered incidentally during a medical examination or imaging test (1).
• Pressure on tendons, nerves, and vessels: In some cases, exostosis can cause pressure on surrounding tissues, leading to pain, numbness, or tingling sensations (6).
• Angular deformities: Large exostoses can cause angular deformities in the arms and legs due to the abnormal bone growth (6).
• Hearing loss: Exostosis in the ear can cause hearing loss or recurrent infections (5).

Other Possible Symptoms:

• Sensation of a foreign body: Some people may experience a sensation of a foreign body in the mouth, which can be uncomfortable when eating or talking (9).
• Pain when pressing on the neoplasm: In some cases, exostosis can cause pain when pressure is applied to the affected area (9).
• Swelling and restricted movement: Exostosis can also cause swelling over the affected bone and limited range of motion in a joint (8).

Important Note:

While these symptoms may be associated with exostosis, it's essential to consult a medical professional for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. A healthcare provider can assess your individual situation and provide guidance on managing any symptoms you may experience.

References:

(1) Apr 27, 2023 — Symptoms of Exostosis. (2) May 16, 2018 — Exostosis is a bone spur or outgrowth from the surface of a bone. (5) Understanding Exostoses · Ear pain · Feeling of fullness in the ears · Fluid drainage from the ear (otorrhea) · Conductive hearing loss. (6) What are the symptoms of hereditary multiple exostosis? · Pressure on the tendons, nerves and vessels · Angular deformities in the arms and legs due to the ... (8) Swelling: A visible lump or swelling over the affected bone. Restricted Movement: Depending on the location, exostosis can limit the range of motion in a joint. (9) Symptoms of Exostosis · a sensation of a foreign body in the mouth; · inconvenience when eating, talking; · pain when pressing on the neoplasm; · in the place where ...

Diagnostic Tests for Exostosis

Exostosis, also known as osteochondroma, can be diagnosed through various diagnostic tests. Here are some of the common methods used to diagnose this condition:

• X-ray: X-rays are commonly used to diagnose exostosis. They can help identify areas of bone outgrowth that are typical to exostosis [2]. In almost all cases, an osteochondroma can be diagnosed using an x-ray [6].
• Physical exam and medical history: A physical exam will be done first to help determine the areas of growth and number of bones involved. Doctors may also take a detailed medical history to aid in diagnosis [1].
• Imaging tests: Imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRI scans can help identify tumors and provide more information about the condition [8]. A 3-gene panel that includes assessment of non-coding variants is ideal for patients with multiple exostoses or osteochondromas [3].
• Ear exam: For buccal exostosis, a dentist or periodontist diagnoses the condition by examination and an X-ray [7].

These diagnostic tests can help healthcare providers determine if you have exostosis and identify any potential complications. It's essential to consult with a healthcare professional for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

References:

[1] Hereditary Multiple Exostosis Diagnosis [2] May 16, 2018 — Imaging tests will aid an exostosis diagnosis as X-ray images can help the doctor identify areas of bone outgrowth that are typical to exostosis ... [3] Nov 13, 2023 — A 3 gene panel that includes assessment of non-coding variants. Is ideal for patients with multiple exostoses or osteochondromas. [6] X-ray: In almost all cases, an osteochondroma can be diagnosed using an x-ray. An x-ray uses a small amount of radiation to produce pictures of a child's bones ... [7] Aug 9, 2017 — For buccal exostosis, your dentist or periodontist diagnoses the condition by examination and an X-ray. [8] Oct 10, 2024 — Diagnosis is made with radiographs showing sessile or pedunculated lesions found on the surface of bones.

Treatment Options for Exostosis

Exostosis, also known as bony spurs or osteochondromas, can be treated in various ways depending on the size and location of the growths. While there are no specific medications that target exostosis directly, treatment options may involve medication to manage symptoms such as pain.

• Pain management: In some cases, pain medications may be prescribed to help alleviate discomfort caused by exostoses [9].
• Surgery: Surgical removal of the bony growths is often necessary when they cause pain or interfere with joint alignment. This treatment option is usually considered for larger exostoses that require reconstruction of the ear canal [5].

It's essential to note that treatment for multiple hereditary exostosis may include surgery to remove the bony growths if they are causing pain or discomfort, or disrupting movement [6]. However, in some cases, no treatment at all is necessary, and the condition may be monitored for any changes.

References:

• [9] Result: pain medications
• [5] In some cases, large exostoses require surgery to remove the bony overgrowths, and reconstruct the ear canal.
• [6] The treatment for hereditary multiple exostosis is surgical removal of any growths that are causing pain or discomfort, or disrupting the child's movement.

Differential Diagnosis of Exostosis

Exostosis, also known as bone spur or outgrowth, can be diagnosed through a combination of physical examination and imaging tests. However, the differential diagnosis for exostosis is quite broad and depends on various factors.

• Age-related differentials: The differential diagnosis for bone tumors in pediatric patients is distinct from that in adults.
• Inherited conditions: Certain inherited conditions, such as multiple exostoses syndrome and multiple exostoses-mental retardation syndrome, can manifest as subungual exostosis [6].
• Benign and malignant bone tumors: When considering the differential diagnosis for oral exostosis, benign and malignant bone tumors should be taken into account [8].

Some specific conditions that may be considered in the differential diagnosis of exostosis include:

• Osteochondroma & Multiple Hereditary Exostosis: This condition is associated with a higher rate of chondrosarcoma, more exostoses, and more limb malalignment, particularly affecting the forearm and knee [4].
• Multiple Familial Enchondromatosis: A rare inherited disorder that can manifest as multiple enchondromas, which may be associated with an increased risk of chondrosarcoma [5].

It's essential to consider these factors and conditions when diagnosing exostosis to ensure accurate diagnosis and treatment.

References:

[1] Context result 2 [3] Context result 3 [4] Context result 4 [6] Context result 6 [8] Context result 8