Diagnosis of Osteochondroma
As most tumors of this type do not result in discomfort or any other symptoms, these are often discovered accidentally when an x-ray is conducted to diagnose some other condition.

In case of symptoms, patients visit physicians by themselves or taken to doctors’ chambers (if they are too young). Diagnosis usually begins with a physical examination and consideration of the medical history of sufferers. Doctors ask patients about their general health condition, lifestyle and the symptoms that they experience to have a better idea about the problem. The medical history of sufferers is also taken into account.

During physical exam, doctors look for tenderness in the affected area and check the range of motion in the painful region.

The tests conducted for a detection of these tumors include:

X-RAYS
These provide physicians with a clear image of dense structures, such as the bone, and reveal the bony growth associated to Osteochondroma tumors. A plain x-ray is quite useful in revealing the presence of multiple growths of this nature. The findings are usually severer than those obtained in the detection of solitary cases.

CT SCANS
Physicians may use CT scans to define the tumor further. These scans help provide more detailed images, particularly of soft tissues. Physicians can also get cross-sectional images with the aid of these scans.

MRI SCANS
These may be used to detect the presence of cartilage on the tumor surface. MRI scans also help reveal a malignant change of Osteochondroma tumors, although rare. The scans show a thick cartilaginous covering over the tumor in adults, in case of a malignant change. In adult sufferers, Osteochondroma tumors should be checked for cancer if the lump becomes painful or enlarged.

BIOPSY
It is important for detection of cancer. In this process, a sample of the tissue of the tumor is taken and sent for microscopic examination. A physician may administer a local anesthetic into the region to induce numbness and use a needle to obtain a small sample. Biopsies may also be carried out as small operative procedures.