MGH Department of Radiology - Osteoid Osteoma

Is Osteoid Osteoma malignant?
Is Osteoid Osteoma a rare bone disease?
Where does Osteoid Osteoma occur most frequently?
What age group is most likely to be diagnosed with Osteoid Osteoma?
What are the most common symptoms?
Can I take over-the-counter drugs for pain relief?

Is Osteoid Osteoma malignant?

Osteoid osteoma is a benign bone-forming tumor. It has never been reported to turn malignant.

Is Osteoid Osteoma a rare bone disease?

It has been known since 1935. Although most doctors see patients with this condition infrequently, compared to other types of bone tumors it is relatively common.

Where does Osteoid Osteoma occur most frequently?

It is most frequent in the legs, especially the femur.

What age group is most likely to be diagnosed with Osteoid Osteoma?

Osteoid osteoma is usually found in children and young adults. It is rare in very young children (less than 3 years) and in adults over the age of 40.

What are the most common symptoms?

The tumors are painful. Pain is typically (but not invariably) worse at night. Although pain may be worsened by activity, it is not due to activity and also occurs at rest.

The tumor may cause a marked inflammatory reaction in surrounding tissues, resulting in the feeling of swelling or a lump. The tumors usually are painful to the touch.

Can I take over-the-counter drugs for pain relief?

There is usually prompt pain relief with nonsteroidal antiinflammatory agents (such as aspirin and ibuprofen), but relief may be of variable duration.