Osteoma vs. Osteosarcoma — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 30, 2024
Osteoma is a benign bone tumor often asymptomatic, while osteosarcoma is a malignant bone cancer typically aggressive and painful.
Difference Between Osteoma and Osteosarcoma
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Osteoma typically forms on the skull and facial bones, presenting as slow-growing and often unnoticed tumors, while osteosarcoma usually occurs in the long bones of the arms and legs, rapidly growing and often causing noticeable swelling and pain.
Osteoma often affects adults and is diagnosed incidentally during routine imaging for unrelated issues, whereas osteosarcoma is more common in teenagers and young adults, frequently diagnosed after symptoms like bone pain or fractures occur.
The treatment for osteoma generally involves observation or surgical removal if symptomatic or cosmetically concerning, on the other hand, osteosarcoma requires aggressive treatment including chemotherapy and surgery to remove the tumor and prevent metastasis.
The prognosis for individuals with osteoma is excellent, as these tumors are benign and typically do not affect life expectancy, whereas the prognosis for osteosarcoma can vary but is often serious, particularly if the cancer has spread.
Osteoma does not usually lead to further health complications beyond localized issues, while osteosarcoma can be life-threatening and may metastasize to other parts of the body, including the lungs.
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Comparison Chart
Nature
Benign
Malignant
Common Location
Skull and facial bones
Long bones (arms and legs)
Age Group Affected
Adults
Teenagers and young adults
Symptoms
Often asymptomatic
Painful, swelling, possible fractures
Treatment and Prognosis
Surgical removal if necessary, excellent prognosis
Chemotherapy, surgical removal, variable prognosis
Compare with Definitions
Osteoma
Usually asymptomatic and detected incidentally.
The osteoma was discovered when she had an MRI for a different issue.
Osteosarcoma
Treatment involves chemotherapy and surgery.
He underwent several rounds of chemotherapy for his osteosarcoma before surgery.
Osteoma
Does not spread to other parts of the body.
Unlike malignant tumors, her osteoma was contained and easily removed.
Osteosarcoma
Symptoms include pain, swelling, and increased risk of fractures.
She first thought it was a sports injury, but it turned out to be osteosarcoma.
Osteoma
A benign tumor composed of normal bone tissue.
The doctor identified the small lump on her forehead as an osteoma.
Osteosarcoma
Can be life-threatening and may metastasize.
The doctors monitored her closely for any signs of metastasis from the osteosarcoma.
Osteoma
Surgical removal can be an option if problematic.
She opted for surgery to remove the osteoma that was causing discomfort.
Osteosarcoma
A type of malignant bone cancer.
The teenager was diagnosed with osteosarcoma after experiencing severe leg pain.
Osteoma
Often forms in the bones of the skull and face.
His osteoma was located right above his left eyebrow.
Osteosarcoma
Most commonly affects the long bones in the limbs.
His osteosarcoma was located in the femur, close to the knee.
Osteoma
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.
Osteosarcoma
An osteosarcoma (OS) or osteogenic sarcoma (OGS) (or simply bone cancer) is a cancerous tumor in a bone. Specifically, it is an aggressive malignant neoplasm that arises from primitive transformed cells of mesenchymal origin (and thus a sarcoma) and that exhibits osteoblastic differentiation and produces malignant osteoid.Osteosarcoma is the most common histological form of primary bone sarcoma.
Osteoma
A benign tumor composed of bony tissue, often developing on the skull.
Osteosarcoma
A malignant bone tumor. Also called osteogenic sarcoma.
Osteoma
A benign bony tumour that typically grows on the skull.
Osteosarcoma
A type of cancer of the bone.
Osteoma
A tumor composed mainly of bone; a tumor of a bone.
Osteosarcoma
A tumor having the structure of a sarcoma in which there is a deposit of bone; sarcoma connected with bone.
Osteoma
A slow growing benign tumor of consisting of bone tissue; usually on the skull or mandible
Osteosarcoma
Malignant bone tumor; most common in children and young adults where it tends to affect the femur
Common Curiosities
What is osteosarcoma?
Osteosarcoma is an aggressive malignant bone cancer that primarily affects teenagers and young adults.
What are the symptoms of osteosarcoma?
Symptoms of osteosarcoma include pain, swelling, and an increased risk of bone fractures.
Who typically gets osteoma?
Osteoma commonly affects adults and is usually found in the skull and facial bones.
Can osteoma turn into cancer?
Osteoma does not evolve into cancer; it remains benign.
What is an osteoma?
An osteoma is a benign tumor made up of normal bone tissue.
Is osteoma a cancer?
No, osteoma is a benign tumor and not considered cancer.
How is osteoma treated?
Treatment for osteoma may not be necessary unless it causes symptoms or cosmetic concerns; surgical removal is an option.
How is osteosarcoma diagnosed?
Osteosarcoma is diagnosed through imaging studies like X-rays, MRIs, and biopsy.
What is the treatment for osteosarcoma?
Treatment for osteosarcoma includes chemotherapy and surgery to remove the tumor.
Can osteosarcoma spread to other parts of the body?
Yes, osteosarcoma can metastasize, commonly to the lungs.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
