Osteochondroma

At a Osteochondroma it is a benign form of a tumor on the bone. Similar types of tumors are, for example, so-called ecchondromas, which develop into an osteochondroma through ossification processes. The tumor arises from an area of ​​the bone that is near a joint (medical term metaphysis).

What is osteochondroma?

The Osteochondroma becomes synonymous too cartilaginous exostosis called. In principle, it is a benign tumor of the bones. Osteochondromas occur in the majority of cases near the joints. They emerge from the bone like a stalk. The so-called long tubular bones are particularly often affected by osteochondromas. Basically, the shape of the tumors is often reminiscent of mushrooms.

Female patients are less likely to develop osteochondromas than males. Osteochondromas are one of the most common types of bone tumors. In numerous cases, they develop in child patients. After the growth processes of the bones after puberty have been completed, the osteochondromas usually stop growing.

Osteochondromas are generally characterized by the fact that they only cause symptoms in a few cases. As a rule, adverse effects from the tumor only arise when other areas near the osteochondroma are squeezed. These are, for example, blood vessels or nerve tracts. In the majority of cases, osteochondromas do not show any tenderness to pressure.

Therapeutic interventions are only required when symptoms arise. The osteochondroma is usually completely removed. Basically, osteochondromas are characterized by a relatively positive prognosis, with degeneration only extremely rarely.

causes

The exact causes for the development of osteochondromas are not known. In the majority of cases, the tumors of the bones develop in the area of ​​the outer femur. The proximal humeral bone is also often affected by an osteochondroma. The growth of the osteochondroma takes place in the shape of a stalk or mushroom. In some cases an osteochondroma leads to malformations in the surrounding bone area due to masses.

Symptoms, ailments & signs

Osteochondromas manifest themselves in various signs and symptoms. In most cases, bone tumors stop growing before the end of their second decade of life. The affected area is often swollen, but people don't feel any pain.

Actual complaints from the osteochondroma often only arise when nearby nerve fibers, muscles or blood vessels are squeezed or displaced by the tumor. The sick patients feel pain in the neighboring muscles, for example. In numerous cases, however, osteochondromas do not show any symptoms. Some affected people are too small for their age. It is also possible for arms or legs to have different lengths.

Diagnosis & course of disease

The diagnosis of osteochondroma is based on the typical symptoms of the tumors. If there are characteristic changes in the bones, a suitable doctor should be consulted for the signs. In the first step, he discusses the existing symptoms as well as their onset and potential development factors as part of an anamnesis.

A family history may provide significant evidence of the presence of the disease if similar cases occur in the family. Then the doctor examines the individual signs of illness with the help of various procedures. As a rule, it is particularly important to carry out an X-ray examination. Because such imaging procedures usually make the osteochondroma relatively visible.

If there are still doubts, a CT examination is also used. Magnetic resonance imaging can be used to determine how thick the cartilage-like cap is. In this way the risk of tumor degeneration can be assessed. The attending physician will also conduct a thorough differential diagnosis to rule out diseases with similar signs. In doing so, he primarily examines whether the affected patient suffers from what is known as familial osteochondromatosis.

Complications

Benign bone tumors such as osteochondromas can also result in complications. The affected people often suffer from the fear that the benign tumor will degenerate into a malignant cancer that has life-threatening consequences. As a result, patients often show listlessness, mood swings, or depression.

Another consequence of osteochondroma is the displacement of neighboring blood vessels and tissues. Depending on where the benign tumor is located, this leads to feelings of constriction. In addition, there is a risk that certain organs will lose their function. If the osteochondroma exerts pressure on adjacent nerves, vessels or muscles, this process results in an insufficient supply of the organs, which in turn triggers functional disorders.

In some cases, an osteochondroma has a limiting effect on the patient's movements. Joint activities are limited or even completely impossible. The affected person can therefore only move to a limited extent or needs a walking aid.

Some patients have mental health problems due to a benign bone tumor. Because movement is restricted, this often leads to an increase in weight, which in turn puts stress on the bones. There is also greater stress on the healthy skeletal system. The result is overexertion or problems with nerves and muscles.

If an osteochondroma is treated surgically, further complications are possible. These are mostly damage to neighboring structures, bleeding, bruising, wound healing disorders or infections.

When should you go to the doctor?

Excessive bone growth must always be clarified by a doctor. Anyone who notices bone pain or bad posture may have an osteochondroma, which must be medically diagnosed and treated. If you notice any further signs such as fever or unusual cardiovascular problems, hormonal changes or disorders of the immune system, you should consult your family doctor. Affected people can also call in the orthopedic surgeon or a specialist in internal medicine. People who have already suffered from cancer are particularly at risk.

Risk factors such as working in a contaminated area or contact with cancer-causing substances must also be clarified. Older people over the age of 40 should regularly take advantage of cancer screening. In addition, it is advisable to see a doctor if you suspect it. If the osteochondroma is detected early, treatment is promising. An untreated bone tumor, on the other hand, can spread and in the worst case be fatal. Treatment involves surgeons, physiotherapists, orthopedists, and general practitioners. Depending on the symptoms, other specialists can be called in, for example the oncologist or the phlebologist.

Treatment & Therapy

The therapeutic measures are mainly based on the symptoms and the size of the osteochondroma. Treatment of benign bone tumors is not necessary in all cases. However, if the affected patient suffers from unpleasant symptoms, the osteochondroma is usually removed. The resection is performed as part of a surgical procedure.

Such a removal is particularly indicated if the person is suffering from pain, malformations develop in nearby bone areas or the function of the joints is impaired by the osteochondroma. The osteochondroma should be removed as quickly as possible, especially if a malignant degeneration is suspected. Resection is usually recommended for osteochondromas in the area of ​​the spine, the upper arm and thigh, and the pelvic bone.

Because potential degeneration of the osteochondroma can be associated with considerable complications. In principle, however, the prognosis for osteochondroma is comparatively good. In most cases, the osteochondroma stops growing after bone growth stops in puberty. If the osteochondroma maintains its size, malignant degeneration is very rare.

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Outlook & forecast

The prognosis of an osteochondroma is generally favorable. It is a benign tumor that causes various symptoms, but does not reduce the average life expectancy. However, medical treatment is a prerequisite for a good view. In the further course, good follow-up care should also take place.

The resulting tumors are usually completely removed in a surgical procedure. If the operation proceeds without further complications, the patient can usually be discharged from the treatment as recovered after the wound has healed. In order to be able to diagnose future changes and abnormalities at an early stage, regular check-ups should take place over the entire life span. In many patients, the emotional burden of the disease can document an increased risk of developing a mental illness. This must be taken into account when making the overall forecast.

Relapse can occur even after a full recovery. A new development of an osteochondroma is possible at any time. In these cases, however, the prognosis remains favorable if cooperation with a doctor is sought at an early stage. Without treatment, growths and thus impairment of mobility can be expected. The resulting tumors increase in size. In addition, the likelihood of additional changes in the tissue is increased.

prevention

There are no measures for the prevention of osteochondromas, the effectiveness of which has been proven in appropriate medical research studies. Instead, the focus is on regular medical checks of the tumors on the bones and any removal of the osteochondroma.

Aftercare

In the case of an osteochondroma, the follow-up measures are usually significantly limited. In some cases, they are not even available to those affected; this is the case when the tumor was recognized very late and the chances of recovery are very low. Therefore, those affected should ideally see a doctor at the first signs and symptoms of the disease so that there are no complications or other complaints in the further course.

The earlier a doctor is consulted, the better the further course is often. In most cases, the tumor can be removed by surgery. Those affected should rest after the procedure and take care of their bodies. Exertion or stressful physical activities should be avoided in order to avoid unnecessary strain on the body.

Likewise, after the tumor has been successfully removed, regular checks and examinations by a doctor are very important in order to identify and remove further tumors at an early stage. The further course of the osteochondroma is strongly dependent on the time of diagnosis, so that a general course cannot be predicted. However, this disease may also reduce the life expectancy of the person affected.

You can do that yourself

If an osteochondroma is diagnosed, it initially means a great shock for the patient. A tumor disease brings with it fears and changes in life that should be dealt with therapeutically.

Treatment also includes changing your diet. To compensate for the weight loss associated with the therapy, plenty of vegetables, cheese, yogurt, cottage cheese and fish should be consumed. Meat and sausage should be avoided, as the high content of arachidonic acid can weaken the immune system and promote inflammation. If you have a loss of appetite, high-calorie liquid food from the pharmacy is ideal. Moderate sport is recommended, whereby the location of the osteochondroma is decisive. If the arms or legs are affected, only certain sports are allowed. Otherwise, you may experience pain and other discomfort. Patients should contact their specialist physician about nutrition and exercise in order to receive the best possible treatment.

The usual aftercare measures apply after an operation. Patients should initially take care of themselves and ensure that the surgical wound heals without complications. If there are any complaints, the doctor must be informed.