What is "osteoma"

Osteoma \Os`te*o"ma\, n.; pl. Osteomata. [NL. See Osteo-, and -oma.] (Med.) A tumor composed mainly of bone; a tumor of a bone.

n. (context medicine English) A benign bony tumour that typically grows on the skull

1. n. a slow growing benign tumor of consisting of bone tissue; usually on the skull or mandible

2. [also: osteomata (pl)]

An osteoma (plural: "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 osteomata is uncertain, but commonly accepted theories propose embryologic, traumatic, or infectious causes. Osteomata are also found in Gardner's syndrome. Larger craniofacial osteomata 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).