Osteoma Diagnosis: Imaging, Biopsy & Differential

Diagnostic Steps

1. History & Physical – pain, trauma history, palpable bony prominence.
2. Imaging
   • X-ray – initial; shows location, size, bone changes.
   • CT – detailed cross-sections; assesses relation to nerves/vessels.
   • MRI – soft tissue evaluation (inflammation, edema).
3. Bone Scan – metabolic activity; differentiates from other lesions.
4. Biopsy (if needed) – microscopic confirmation.
5. Differential – osteoid osteoma, osteoblastoma, other bone tumors.

Findings guide treatment (observation vs. excision).