Overview
Osteoblastoma is a rare, non-cancerous (benign) bone tumor that grows from cells called osteoblasts, which are the cells responsible for building new bone. It is sometimes called 'giant osteoid osteoma' because it looks similar to another bone tumor called osteoid osteoma, but osteoblastoma is larger — usually more than 2 centimeters across. The tumor can grow in almost any bone in the body, but it most often affects the spine, the bones of the hands and feet, and the long bones of the arms and legs. In the spine, it can press on nerves and cause serious problems if not treated. The most common symptom is a dull, aching pain near the tumor that tends to get worse over time. Unlike osteoid osteoma, the pain from osteoblastoma does not always go away with aspirin or ibuprofen, which can be a helpful clue for doctors. The tumor can also cause swelling, tenderness when touched, and in some cases, a visible lump. When the tumor is in the spine, it can cause stiffness, muscle spasms, or even weakness and numbness in the arms or legs. The main treatment for osteoblastoma is surgery to remove the tumor. In most cases, surgery is very effective and the tumor does not come back. However, osteoblastoma can sometimes regrow after surgery, especially if it was not completely removed. A small number of tumors behave more aggressively and may require more extensive surgery or other treatments. With proper treatment, most people with osteoblastoma do very well and can return to normal activities.
Key symptoms:
Dull, aching pain near the tumor that gets worse over timePain that does not go away with common pain relievers like aspirin or ibuprofenSwelling or tenderness around the affected boneA visible lump or bump over the boneStiffness in the spine or nearby jointsMuscle spasms, especially in the back or neckWeakness or numbness in the arms or legs if the tumor is near the spineDifficulty walking or moving normallyScoliosis (abnormal curving of the spine) in some casesNighttime pain that disturbs sleep
Sporadic
Usually appears on its own, not inherited from a parent
Juvenile
Begins in the teen years
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for Osteoblastoma.
View clinical trials →Clinical Trials
View all trials with filters →No actively recruiting trials found for Osteoblastoma at this time.
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Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to Osteoblastoma.
Community
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Caregiver Resources
NORD Caregiver Resources
Support, advocacy, and financial assistance for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Mental Health Support
Rare disease caregiving can be isolating. Connect with counseling and peer support.
Family & Caregiver Grants
Financial assistance programs specifically for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Social Security Disability
Learn how rare disease patients may qualify for SSDI/SSI benefits.
Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.Has the tumor been completely removed, and what is the chance it could come back?,What type of surgery is recommended for my specific tumor location, and what are the risks?,How often do I need follow-up scans, and for how long after surgery?,Are there any activity restrictions during recovery, and when can I return to normal activities?,What symptoms should prompt me to seek urgent medical attention after surgery?,Is my tumor considered aggressive, and does that change the treatment plan?,Would physical therapy be helpful, and if so, when should I start?
Common questions about Osteoblastoma
What is Osteoblastoma?
Osteoblastoma is a rare, non-cancerous (benign) bone tumor that grows from cells called osteoblasts, which are the cells responsible for building new bone. It is sometimes called 'giant osteoid osteoma' because it looks similar to another bone tumor called osteoid osteoma, but osteoblastoma is larger — usually more than 2 centimeters across. The tumor can grow in almost any bone in the body, but it most often affects the spine, the bones of the hands and feet, and the long bones of the arms and legs. In the spine, it can press on nerves and cause serious problems if not treated. The most comm
How is Osteoblastoma inherited?
Osteoblastoma follows a sporadic inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.
At what age does Osteoblastoma typically begin?
Typical onset of Osteoblastoma is juvenile. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.
Which specialists treat Osteoblastoma?
15 specialists and care centers treating Osteoblastoma are listed on UniteRare, sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov principal investigators, published research, and the NPPES NPI registry.