Benign bone tumors or benign bone growths tend to affect younger population below the age of thirty years. It is most often observed in children, especially when their skeletal structure is still growing. Available estimates suggest that most of the bone tumors are benign in nature and hence not very likely to spread from the original site to other new locations.
It is believed that benign bone growth is stimulated by hormones that are meant to promote normal growth of bone. This explains why benign tumors growth of bones usually stop after the child reaches skeletal maturity (before 16 years in girls and before 19 years in boys).
Benign Bone Growth In Children
Benign tumors of the bone can occur on any part of the body and affect any bone. Some types of the tumors are more common along the spine or along the epiphyseal plates of long bones. The most common sites for benign bone tumor include the tibia, pelvis, humerus and femur.
Though, benign tumors don’t spread very quickly, they can be very aggressive locally, which may result in progressive bone damage. These types of tumor need early management to prevent them from destroying the ends of the bone and result in disability.
There are different types of benign tumors of the bone which include osteochondroma, fibroma, chondroblastoma, osteoblastoma, etc. In some cases, aneurismal bone cysts are also grouped as benign bone tumors and may also need similar treatment.
Symptoms Of Benign Bone Tumor
Benign bone tumors don’t have many signs and symptoms. The most common symptoms include,
- Localized pain in the region of the tumor which can tend to increase in intensity over a period of time.
- A palpable lump or a swelling is often the first sign which is associated with benign bone tumors.
- Tumors tend to weaken the bone tissue, which can result in fractures in the bone tissue. This is observed more frequently in cases of aggressive bone tumors.
- Though generally the mobility of an individual may not be affected, in some severe cases involving the pelvis or the lower part of the femur, mobility can be considerably limited and associated with pain and reduced range of movement.
Treatment For Benign Bone Tumors
The treatment regimen for the management of benign bone tumors depends upon the location of the tumor, size of the tumor and the age of the individual. In some cases, tumors resolve spontaneously after a fracture or an injury. In others, the tumor stops growing after maturity of the skeleton and hence if it doesn’t interfere with the normal functioning of the individual, no treatment is required.
However, in certain cases, where benign bone tumors or growths are identified at a very early age or where the risk of aggressive damage to the surrounding tissue is high, surgical intervention may be required. Surgical treatment regimen attempts to remove the tumor cells and also promote healing and regeneration of new healthy bone.
Healing post surgery can be hastened by a healthy diet rich in calcium and magnesium. Foods like green leafy vegetables, milk and milk products, egg, etc are good sources of calcium and magnesium.
Homeopathic drugs like Calcarea Phos or Mag Phos are also considered beneficial in hastening the healing process and promote the growth of healthy bones.