Osteomas are benign (noncancerous), bony tumors that are typically found in the skull. They are slow-growing and typically do not cause symptoms. However, when symptoms occur, surgical treatment may be necessary.
At UPMC, the preferred surgical method for removing osteomas of the skull base is the endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA). This innovative, minimally invasive technique uses the nose and nasal cavities as natural pathways to access hard-to-reach or previously inoperable tumors. Benefits of EEA include no incisions, no disfigurement, and a quicker recovery compared to open surgical methods.
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What Is An Osteoma?
Osteomas are benign (noncancerous), bony tumors that are typically found in the skull. They are slow-growing and typically do not cause symptoms. Osteomas are often discovered during routine exams or imaging tests for other conditions.
Is an osteoma serious?
Most osteomas do not cause serious complications, and many do not require treatment. However, if an osteoma is causing symptoms related to compression of your cranial nerve, surgery may be necessary.
What are the types of osteomas?
There are two types of osteomas, including:
- Compact osteomas — Composed of mature lamellar bone.
- Spongy osteomas — Composed of trabecular bone with marrow.
How common are osteomas?
Osteomas are common in the skull and sinuses, and are the most common type of sinus tumor.
What is the most common site of an osteoma?
The most common site of osteomas is in the paranasal sinuses, which are located in the skull. They also commonly occur in the jawbone.
What causes osteoma?
Researchers aren’t sure what causes osteomas.
Complications of osteoma
Most osteomas do not cause symptoms. However, large osteomas may cause complications related to compression of the cranial nerves, including:
- Vision and hearing disturbances.
- Weakness or paralysis of the cranial nerves that cause problems with eye and facial movements, sensation in the face, and swallowing.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Osteoma?
Most osteomas don’t cause any symptoms. When symptoms are present, they vary based on the osteoma's location within the head and neck and are usually related to compression of the cranial nerves.
Symptoms may include:
- A visible growth or lump under your skin.
- Vision and hearing disturbances.
- Weakness or paralysis in the cranial nerves, causing problems with eye and facial movements, sensation in the face, and swallowing.
Do osteomas hurt when touched?
Osteomas may be tender when touched, but many do not cause any noticeable symptoms.
When should I see a doctor about my osteoma symptoms?
If you have an osteoma that is large and visible or is causing bothersome symptoms, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor.
How Do You Diagnose Osteoma?
To diagnose an osteoma, your doctor will ask about your symptoms. They'll do an exam to check your vision, reflexes, and other neurological functions.
What to expect during your visit
If your doctor suspects an osteoma, they will:
- Ask about your symptoms.
- Perform a physical and neurological exam.
- Order other tests.
- Review your health history and medications.
Tests to diagnose osteoma
Your doctor may order imaging studies, including:
- Bone scan — A nuclear medicine imaging test that uses a safe radioactive tracer to highlight abnormalities in your bones.
- CT scan — A test that uses a series of x-rays to create images of your body's organs, bones, and tissues.
Osteoma prognosis
If your osteoma is causing symptoms, surgery may be an option. Surgery is typically successful, but there is a small chance an osteoma will grow back over time.
How Do You Treat Osteoma?
Osteomas do not always require treatment, especially if they are not causing symptoms and are not visible. If treatment is needed, surgery may be an option.
Our neurosurgical team will take a comprehensive approach to evaluating your osteoma. Our experts will determine the treatment approach that causes the least disruption to your brain, critical nerves, and ability to return to normal functioning.
Types of osteoma surgery include:
Endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA)
Osteomas of the skull base may be approached directly using the endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA). This state-of-the-art, minimally invasive approach allows surgeons to access the tumor through the natural corridor of your nose, without making an open incision. Surgeons then remove the osteoma through the nose and nasal cavities.
EEA offers benefits for patients, including no incisions, no disfigurement, and a faster recovery time when compared to open surgical approaches.
Open surgery
Open surgery typically involves making an incision in the skin on top of or near the osteoma and removing the tumor through the incision. Open surgical approaches may be used to treat osteomas on the forehead or scalp, as well as large or complex osteomas.
Why Choose UPMC for Osteoma Care?
When you choose UPMC for osteoma care, you will receive:
- Access to world-class neurosurgery expertise — Our world-renowned experts treat the full spectrum of skull base and neurosurgical conditions using the latest diagnostic and treatment techniques.
- A full range of treatment options — We offer nonsurgical care and noninvasive, minimally invasive, and traditional open surgical procedures. This allows us to effectively treat all types of disorders while reducing your risk of complications.
- Multidisciplinary care — Our skull base surgeons partner with neurosurgeons, neurologists, rehabilitation specialists, and other medical experts to provide complete care that optimizes your recovery and quality of life.
