OSTEOCHONDROMATOSIS Meaning and
Definition
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Osteochondromatosis is a medical condition characterized by the abnormal growth of multiple benign bone and cartilage tumors, known as osteochondromas, throughout the body. These osteochondromas develop primarily during childhood or adolescence, and their exact cause is still unknown.
Osteochondromas are non-cancerous growths that typically form near the ends of long bones, such as the thigh, arm, or shin bones. They also tend to occur in the shoulders, ribs, and pelvis. Osteochondromas consist of a bony protrusion called an exostosis, covered by a cartilaginous cap.
The symptoms of osteochondromatosis vary depending on the location and size of the tumors. In some cases, individuals may remain asymptomatic and discover the condition incidentally during a routine examination. However, larger or more numerous osteochondromas can cause pain, swelling, and restricted range of motion in the affected area. Nerve compression and structural abnormalities may also occur, leading to additional complications.
The treatment options for osteochondromatosis typically involve surgical excision of the osteochondromas, especially if they cause significant pain or interfere with movement. Regular monitoring and radiographic imaging are usually recommended to detect new or recurrent lesions.
It is important to differentiate osteochondromatosis from malignant bone tumors, such as osteosarcoma, as the latter can have a similar appearance on imaging. Therefore, a thorough diagnostic evaluation, including imaging studies and a biopsy, may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis and rule out malignancy.
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The simultaneous occurrence of several osteochondromata.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for OSTEOCHONDROMATOSIS
- isteochondromatosis
- ksteochondromatosis
- lsteochondromatosis
- psteochondromatosis
- 0steochondromatosis
- 9steochondromatosis
- oateochondromatosis
- ozteochondromatosis
- oxteochondromatosis
- odteochondromatosis
- oeteochondromatosis
- owteochondromatosis
- osreochondromatosis
- osfeochondromatosis
- osgeochondromatosis
- osyeochondromatosis
- os6eochondromatosis
- os5eochondromatosis
- ostwochondromatosis
- ostsochondromatosis
Etymology of OSTEOCHONDROMATOSIS
The word "Osteochondromatosis" is derived from three Greek roots:
1. "Osteon" (ὀστέον) means "bone" in Greek.
2. "Chondros" (χόνδρος) means "cartilage" in Greek.
3. "Matos" (μάτως) means "a tumor" or "a morbid growth" in Greek.
The suffix "-osis" is used in medical terminology to indicate a pathological condition or a disorder.
Combining these roots, "osteochondromatosis" literally means a disorder characterized by the formation of a tumor or morbid growth involving both bone and cartilage.
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