Hereditary Multiple Exostoses is a hereditary disorder in which tumor-like growth occurs in the bones and cartilage of a child or an adult. This happens because of the change in the genetic structure. Also called osteochondromas, this benign tumor forms in the long bones specifically but can develop in your shoulders, hips, and other joints, too.
The condition is diagnosed early in children (around 3-4 years), and the main symptoms include bone growing in an unusual form. You must consult a knee surgeon specialist in Mumbai to figure out the best treatment for HME. Let’s learn more about Hereditary Multiple Exostoses.
Causes of Hereditary Multiple Exostoses
In the majority of cases, the condition occurs because of a defect in the EXT1 and EXT2 gene. There’s a 50% chance the child will develop osteochondromas if one of the parents has this genetic mutation.
However, not every adult diagnosed with the condition has a family history of multiple exostoses. Some develop it because of a gene mutation, which affects the normal growth of your bones and cartilage, leading to the formation of these benign tumors.
What are the Symptoms?
The condition affects your joints and can be painful. Here’s what you might experience:
- An unusual bone structure
- Difficulty moving the affected joint
- Pain
- Bony swellings
- Numbness in the nerves
- Deformities
- Pressure in the affected nerves
Note that the lump can be painless or cause extreme, unbearable pain, depending on the size and location of the tumor’s growth.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Hereditary Multiple Exostoses
The physical symptoms of HME are pretty obvious. Your healthcare provider will check your bones for lump growth and order an X-ray of the area where they detect an unusual growth. Further testing, such as a CT scan and an MRI, is required to identify the size of the tumor.
The tumors are usually benign, so watchful monitoring is often recommended. They also stop growing in most children after a certain age. The treatment for hereditary multiple exostoses depends on the severity of the tumor, its location, and how it affects the patient’s routine life. If it significantly affects joint movement and causes a lot of pain, surgical removal of the tumor is an ideal treatment option.
In some cases, the doctor recommends pain relievers to ease the symptoms. Physical therapy can also help strengthen your joints and improve your mobility. If you have HME in the knee, it’s best to get knee surgery in Mumbai. Note that it can lead to osteoarthritis and other complications if left untreated.
Can It Turn Into Cancer?
Osteochondromas are benign growth, but there is a slim chance it can turn malignant later. Around 2-5 percent of these tumors develop into osteosarcoma or bone cancer. The signs that your doctor will watch out for include:
- Tumor growth in adolescents
- Excess pain in the lump
- Thick cartilage cap cushioning the tumor
Malignant bone tumors require surgical removal. Additional treatment might be needed if the cancer has spread to the surrounding organs and tissues.
