An osteoma is a benign, slow-growing, progressive osteoblastic neoplasm usually located on the skull and facial bones, in the ear, near the optic nerve, or in the paranasal sinus. Osteoma most often occurs in adolescents and young adults, but it has been reported in adults through their sixth decade. Males are twice as likely to develop osteoma. Osteomas may be solitary or multiple. Multiple osteomas and other neoplasms can be associated with a genetic disorder called Gardner syndrome.

Osteoma can be asymptomatic or show signs and symptoms specific to its location and size, such as proptosis, hearing difficulties (ear canal osteoma), spinal cord compression, or paranasal sinus symptoms (respiratory obstruction, apnea). Osteoma continues to grow progressively, unlike other benign bone lesions that slow in growth or stop at skeletal maturity.

Management can include endoscopic sinus surgery, en bloc excision, and subtotal excision, especially where osteoma is enlarged, obstructive, symptomatic, or when bone malignancy co-exists. Surgical excision may be followed by reconstruction and grafting at the bone site.

Related topic: Osteoid Osteoma