Osteochondroma is an overgrowth of cartilage and bone at the end of the bone near the growth plate. It affects males and females equally. Most often, it affects the long bones in the leg, pelvis, or shoulder blade. The exact cause of osteochondroma is not known.

Can adults get osteochondroma?

Although it is rare for an osteochondroma to change into a cancerous tumor, it is possible. In adults, a thick covering of cartilage over the tumor is one sign of such a change. A tumor in an adult patient should be checked for cancer if it is enlarging or has become painful.

What percentage of people have osteochondroma?

Osteochondroma incidence is reported as 35% of benign and 8% of all bone tumors, though this is considered an underestimate as most are asymptomatic. Most cases are diagnosed within the first three decades of life, commonly in children or adolescents between 10 and 15 years of age.