A 67-year-old man underwent successful surgery for multiple osteomas of the jaw at SRM Global Hospitals in Chennai. These benign bone tumours, known as osteomas were surgically removed to restore jaw function, alleviate symptoms and address growths in the facial bones.
Osteomas fall under the category of benign bone tumours of the cranio-facial skeleton. An osteoma is a benign bony growth, typically occurring in the skull or facial bones. In simple terms, an extra piece of bone develops slowly, often without immediate discomfort, but can cause functional or aesthetic problems as it enlarges. In the jaw region (mandible or maxilla) these growths may interfere with chewing, facial symmetry or cause discomfort.
They are generally diagnosed in the fourth or fifth decades of one's life.
Osteomas are generally classified into three main types, central (endosteal), peripheral (periosteal), and extraskeletal.
Central osteomas originate within the bone, peripheral osteomas arise on the bone surface, and extraskeletal types develop within soft tissues such as muscles, though the latter are extremely rare.
According to a report by The Hindu, patient aged 67, presented with multiple jaw osteomas. Multiple benign bone growths in the jaw region were documented.
The maxillofacial and oral-surgery surgical team at SRM, removed the osteomas via excision under general anaesthesia.
Post-surgery the patient’s recovery was successful, with removal of the bone growths and restoration of jaw structure.
Though osteomas are benign, surgical removal may be indicated when they:
Interfere with jaw function (biting, chewing)
Cause facial asymmetry or aesthetic concerns
Grow progressively and risk impacting adjacent structures
Produce discomfort, pain or increase the risk of other complications within the facial skeleton
Because the growth is slow and non-malignant, the decision to operate often depends on size, location and impact on function or appearance.
The surgical approach typically involves excision of the lesion, curative intent, with care to preserve surrounding bone and function.
Outcomes are generally favourable given benign nature, but follow-up is required to monitor for recurrence or any functional complications.
The successful surgical treatment of multiple jaw osteomas in a 67-year-old patient at SRM Global Hospitals highlights the importance of diagnosis, imaging and specialised maxillofacial interventions for benign bone growths in the cranio-facial region.
While osteomas are non-malignant, their potential to disrupt function or appearance warrants timely evaluation and, where needed, surgical management in experienced centres.
(Rh/TL/MSM)