Bone Lesions: Definition, Causes, Symptoms & Types

A bone lesion denotes a defect in the normal growth of a bone. They can occur in any bone, but is much more common in the longer bones of the arms and legs.

Demograpy

• Bone lesions are much more common in younger people because their bones grow at a much more rapid pace than that of older people.

Tumors

• Most bone lesions involve the growth of tumors on the bone. These growths are not always cancerous, but can be.

Symptoms

• Bone lesions usually first come to the attention of a patient due to swelling and tenderness around the area of the lesion.

Diagnostic Test

• When a bone lesion is found using an X-ray, a bone biopsy is usually performed to determine whether the abnormality is cancerous.

Treatment

• Treatments vary a great deal, depending on the severity and aggressiveness of the bone lesion. Malignant bone lesions may require chemotherapy or radiation, while benign bone lesions may require no treatment.