Plastic Surgeons Can Offer Valuable Assistance With a Scalp Osteoma
Patients occasionally visit plastic surgeons to obtain assistance excising a scalp osteoma. Physicians refer to bony tumors as “osteomas”. These nodule-like growths occur anywhere on the body when bone tissue grows towards the surface of the skin. Growths of bone tissue on the scalp receive the designation “scalp osteomas”. These osteomas sometimes also appear on the face or the neck.
About Scalp Osteomas
Fortunately, scalp osteomas primarily occur as benign (i.e. non cancerous) growths. Most of them do not increase in size. However, even benign bony growths may cause patient significant discomfort or inconvenience. The location and the size of an osteoma both matter, of course.
Some people with small scalp osteomas never suffer any ill effects from this condition. Yet benign bony protrusions do occasionally interfere with other structures in the body, such as ear canals or sinus passages.(1) They sometimes upset patients if they become visible. Individuals with one (or more) scalp osteomas frequently decide to consult with an experienced plastic surgeon to explore obtaining relief from these impacts.
Patients With Scalp Osteomas
Although in general men tend to develop bony tumors more frequently than women, benign bone osteomas occur more often in women.(2) The typical patient develops a scalp osteoma between the ages of 30 and 50 for unknown reasons.(2) Medical science has not yet definitely determined the cause of the growth of scalp osteomas. Many physicians believe these bony growth occur as a result of the body’s reaction to an infection or a trauma.(2)
Scalp osteomas may appear unexpectedly at any age. In some cases, these growths appear in the womb. Parents may choose to consult with physicians about the presence of a scalp osteoma in a newborn. It sometimes becomes important to investigate the location and size of scalp osteomas as the patient ages to ensure a bony growth on the scalp does not cause discomfort, e.g. by impairing sinus passages or hearing, or by contributing to headaches or causing other unwanted physical symptoms.
Treating Scalp Osteomas
Plastic surgeons frequently remove scalp osteomas for patients. Surgical excision should provide a permanent solution for this problem. Depending upon the location of the osteoma, the operation may involve some degree of reconstructive surgery. The surgeon usually needs to cut through bone in order to sever bony protrusions for removal.
Physicians must evaluate the suitability of this type of procedure on a case by case basis. In order to prepare for this type of operation, they usually ask the patient to submit to diagnostic procedures, such as radiographs and/or computed tomography. Obtaining clear images of a scalp osteoma helps an experienced surgeon determine the best excision approach.
Request Consultation Services
Our office gladly consults with patients who believe they may have a scalp osteoma. We often remove these types of bony growths. Simply contact us to discuss your situation in detail. We look forward to assisting you!