HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Diagnosed With Osteochondroma. Lump Protruding From Leg. Hurting. Surgery?

Posted on Mon, 29 Jul 2013

Question: About 4 months ago, my 15 year old son was diagnosed with 'osteochondroma' if I'm spelling it right; it is on the outside of his right leg, above the knee cap. It's about 3" around, I can't tell from the x XXXXXXX total size, but basing size on the lump protruding from his leg. It wasn't bothering him until recently, and particularly when he walks for extended periods of time. I'm not sure if he should have surgery now or if we should wait, given that it WASN"T bothering him when we went in, but I didn't know what it was and went in to an orthopedic md. My son still seems to be growing, and the doctor told us it wasn't on the joint of his knee cap, so that was relevant for reasons I don't remember now; but I'm not sure if we should have surgery ASAP or wait until he's older... but because it's hurting him, I'm concerned. I appreciate any insight you have.

Answered by Dr. Y V Siva Sankara Murty (2 hours later)

Hi,

Thanks for writing to health care magic.

Osteochondroma is a benign tumor. If there are no symptoms or problems and if they are small in size then they can be left alone and just monitored with X XXXXXXX taken at regular interval.

But now you are saying that it is around 3 inches and it is also symptomatic and causing problem to your child. So if there is pain (which could be because of various reasons) it is better to get your child operated. So please consult your doctor for the same.

Continue to ask further queries as required.
Hope this helps.
Take care.

Dr Y V Siva Sankara Murty
M.D.(Pediatrics)
Associate Professor of Pediatric

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar