Osteoma of Skull

 

Osteoma of Skull

Osteomas are benign bone tumors that most commonly occur in the head. When occurring in the medullary cavity osteomas are called bone islands. Osteomas are common with an equal male/female distribution.These lesions are benign, slow growing, and usually asymptomatic. They may be incidentally identified as a mass in the skull or jaw, or as the underlying cause of sinusitis or paranasal sinus mucocele. Osteomas are benign osteogenic tumors composed of lamellar/cortical-type bone.

Locations

Osteomas most commonly occur in bones formed in membrane, almost exclusively occurring in the head, with the most common locations including:

• paranasal sinus osteoma

• skull vault osteoma

• mandibular osteoma

• nasal bone 

Types

According to a 2013 articleTrusted Source, there are three recognized types of osteoma:

• Compact: These are made of very dense bone material.
• Spongy: These are similar to normal bone and often include bone marrow.
• Combined or mixed: These growths have both compact and spongy qualities.

Osteomas can occur nearly anywhere on the bones in the skull. According to the 2013 study, they are common in the jawbone and the paranasal sinuses.

Symptoms

In most cases, osteomas do not cause symptoms. In fact, a person may not realize that they have a growth until a doctor examines the sinuses or the skull due to other health concerns the person has.

The size and location of the osteoma may contribute to its potential symptoms. For example, smaller growths are less likely to cause symptoms. Larger growths are more likely to cause symptoms based on their location.

The following are some potential locations of osteomas:

• Near the sinuses: An osteoma near the sinuses could cause an obstruction, which can prevent mucus from draining and lead to a sinus infection.
• Near the eye: An osteoma near the eye may causeTrusted Source the eye to protrude. This is known as proptosis.
• Forehead or skull: An osteoma on the forehead or skull may cause headaches.
• Jawbone: An osteoma on the jawbone can cause facial pain or pain when moving the mouth.
• Ear: An osteoma in the ear could causeTrusted Source temporary hearing loss. This will usually resolve with treatment.
• Long bones: Osteomas on the long bones in the body are called osteoids. These can appear on the tibia (shin bone) and femur (thigh bone).

Causes

According to one 2010 review, doctors do not yet fully understand what causes osteomas.

They may be a result of the body reacting to illness or injury.

In rare cases, osteoma is associated with Gardner’s syndrome. Gardner’s syndrome is a rare condition that causes colorectal polyps and different types of benign and malignant tumor.

Complications

Osteomas can sometimes cause complications. These include:

• pain around the location of the growth
• proptosisTrusted Source, if it is growing in the eye socket
• loss of hearingTrusted Source due to a blockage

Osteomas are benign, meaning that they are not cancerous and will not spread to nearby tissue.

Schuesler Tissue Salts which help in Osteoma of Skull.

For Consultancy: microdoshomoeo

Reference:

1. Radiopaedia; Skull tumors; Last revised by Yahya Baba, M.D; on 1 step 2023.

2. MEDICAL NEWS TODAY; What is an osteoma?; Alana Biggers, M.D., MPH; Update on Jun 14, 2023