Summary about Disease
Exostosis refers to the formation of new bone on the surface of a bone. It's essentially a bony overgrowth or benign bone tumor. It can occur in various locations throughout the body, but it's most commonly found in long bones of the legs and arms. There are several types of exostoses, with osteochondromas being the most prevalent. These are usually benign (non-cancerous) but can cause pain, limited movement, or other complications depending on their size and location.
Symptoms
Symptoms can vary depending on the size and location of the exostosis. Some individuals may experience no symptoms at all, especially if the growth is small. When symptoms do occur, they may include:
A palpable, hard lump or bump under the skin.
Pain or discomfort, especially with movement or pressure.
Limited range of motion in a nearby joint.
Pressure on nearby nerves or blood vessels, potentially causing numbness, tingling, or circulation problems.
Irritation of surrounding tissues.
Deformity of the bone.
Causes
The causes of exostosis vary depending on the type:
Osteochondromas: These are thought to arise from cartilage that detaches from the growth plate (physis) during bone development.
Hereditary Multiple Exostoses (HME): This is a genetic condition causing multiple osteochondromas. It's inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern.
Surfer's Ear (External Auditory Exostosis): This is caused by repeated exposure to cold water and wind, stimulating bone growth in the ear canal.
Other Causes: In some cases, exostoses may be related to injury, infection, or other underlying medical conditions.
Medicine Used
There are no medications to make the exostosis disappear. Treatment primarily focuses on managing symptoms. Pain relievers, such as:
Over-the-counter pain relievers (NSAIDs like ibuprofen or naproxen, or acetaminophen) can help manage mild pain and inflammation.
Stronger pain medications, such as prescription analgesics, may be needed for more severe pain (Prescription pain medication would be decided by the primary physician). In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the exostosis, especially if it's causing significant pain, limiting movement, or affecting nearby structures.
Is Communicable
No, exostosis is not a communicable disease. It cannot be spread from person to person.
Precautions
Precautions depend on the type and location of the exostosis:
Avoid Activities that Aggravate Symptoms: If certain activities worsen pain or discomfort, it's important to modify or avoid them.
Protective Gear: For exostoses in areas prone to injury (e.g., knees), wearing protective gear may help prevent further irritation.
Surfer's Ear: Those who surf or frequently expose their ears to cold water should wear earplugs to prevent external auditory exostosis.
Regular Monitoring: If you have exostosis, especially if it's associated with a condition like HME, regular checkups with a doctor are important to monitor growth and watch for any complications.
How long does an outbreak last?
Exostosis isn't an "outbreak" situation. Exostoses are usually slow-growing. They do not have outbreaks as they are a constant bony growth. Once formed, an exostosis is generally present unless surgically removed. Symptoms can fluctuate depending on factors like activity level and pressure on surrounding tissues.
How is it diagnosed?
Diagnosis typically involves:
Physical Examination: A doctor will examine the affected area and ask about symptoms.
Imaging Tests: X-rays are commonly used to visualize the bony overgrowth. Other imaging tests, such as CT scans or MRI scans, may be used to get more detailed information about the size, location, and relationship of the exostosis to nearby structures.
Biopsy: Rarely, a biopsy may be performed to rule out other conditions, especially if there's concern about malignancy.
Timeline of Symptoms
The onset and progression of symptoms can vary greatly.
Early Stages: Small exostoses may cause no symptoms at all and may only be discovered incidentally during imaging for another reason.
Gradual Progression: As the exostosis grows, symptoms may develop gradually over time. Pain, limited movement, or pressure on surrounding structures may become noticeable.
Sudden Onset (Rare): In some cases, symptoms may appear more suddenly if the exostosis is injured or if it causes a sudden compression of a nerve or blood vessel.
Important Considerations
Benign vs. Malignant: While most exostoses are benign, there's a small risk of malignant transformation (becoming cancerous), particularly in individuals with HME. Regular monitoring is essential.
Growth Plate: In children and adolescents, exostoses may grow along with the bone until skeletal maturity is reached.
Surgical Risks: Surgery to remove an exostosis carries the usual risks associated with surgery, such as infection, bleeding, and nerve damage. The decision to undergo surgery should be made in consultation with a doctor.
Hereditary Multiple Exostoses (HME): Individuals with HME require specialized management due to the multiple exostoses and increased risk of complications. Genetic counseling may be beneficial for families with HME.