From the Research
Osteomas are benign bone tumors that often cause no symptoms, but when symptoms do occur, they depend on the location of the osteoma, and patients may complain of symptoms such as rhinorrhea, postnasal drip, nasal congestion, hyposmia, headache, visual disturbance, and lacrimal duct obstruction, as reported in a recent study 1. The symptoms of osteoma can vary depending on the location and size of the tumor.
- In the skull, osteomas may cause headaches, facial pain, or sinus pressure, especially if they block sinus drainage, as seen in patients with paranasal sinus osteoma 1.
- Osteomas in the ear canal can lead to hearing loss, tinnitus, ear fullness, or recurrent ear infections.
- When located near the eye, they might cause vision changes, eye displacement, or double vision.
- Osteomas in long bones may present with localized pain, swelling, or a visible or palpable lump.
- In rare cases, osteomas can cause nerve compression, resulting in numbness, tingling, or weakness in the affected area, as reported in a case of spinal osteoma 2. These symptoms typically develop gradually as the osteoma grows slowly over time.
- Most osteomas remain small and asymptomatic, requiring no treatment unless they cause functional problems or significant cosmetic concerns, as noted in a review of benign bone tumors 3. The symptoms occur because osteomas are composed of abnormal bone growth that can physically impinge on surrounding structures or block normal anatomical passages.
- A recent study on osteoma in the upper cervical spine highlights the importance of surgical intervention for symptom relief in rare cases of spinal osteoma 2.