Osteoma

An osteoma (plural osteomas or less commonly osteomata) is a new piece of bone usually growing on another piece of bone, typically the skull. It is a benign tumor.

When the bone tumor grows on other bone it is known as "homoplastic osteoma"; when it grows on other tissue it is called "heteroplastic osteoma".

Osteoma represents the most common benign neoplasm of the nose and paranasal sinuses. The cause of osteomas is uncertain, but commonly accepted theories propose embryologic, traumatic, or infectious causes. Osteomas are also found in Gardner's syndrome. Larger craniofacial osteomas may cause facial pain, headache, and infection due to obstructed nasofrontal ducts. Often, craniofacial osteoma presents itself through ocular signs and symptoms (such as proptosis).

Variants

 * Osteoma cutis (also known as "Albright's hereditary osteodystrophy")
 * Osteoid osteoma
 * Fibro-osteoma
 * Chondro-osteoma