Osteomas of the craniofacial region

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to present the clinical features of a case series of osteomas in the craniofacial region and to compare them with those described in the dental literatures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study of 18 patients diagnosed with osteomas in the craniofacial region was performed. The age, gender, location, symptoms, and the radiological findings were recorded. RESULTS: There were 13 women and 5 men from 18 years to 69 years of age (mean age, 42+/-27 years). Fourteen osteomas were found in the mandible (78%), two in frontal sinus, one in sphenoid bone, and one in maxilla. CONCLUSION: Osteomas are benign tumors composed of mature compact bone or cancellous bone. They are essentially restricted to the craniofacial skeleton and rarely, if ever, are diagnosed in other bones.