Noncancerous bone tumors may affect any bone, but are most common in the long bones of the limbs or the vertebrae, or the bones of the hands. The main types are osteoid osteomas, osteochondromas, and chondrodermatitis. They usually develop during childhood or adolescence.
Their cause is unknown. The presence of a tumor normally causes no symptoms, although sometimes the affected bone may become enlarged and deformed.
Occasionally, a tumor may press on a nerve, causing tingling or numbness.
In some cases, movement may be restricted or painful if the tumor presses on nearby tendons.
A noncancerous bone tumor that is not causing problems may just be monitored.
One that is causing symptoms or growing rapidly may be removed by surgery, often followed by a bone graft to replace the removed section of bone.