Pain is the usual symptom. These tumors have a distinctive appearance on x-rays. Treatment consists of surgical removal. Osteoid osteomas are very small tumors that commonly develop in the arms or legs but can occur in any bone. They usually cause pain that worsens at night and is relieved by low doses of aspirin.
Bone scans using radioactive tracers help determine the exact location of the tumor.
Sometimes the tumor is difficult to locate, and additional tests such as CT scans and special x-ray techniques may be needed. Surgically removing the tumor is the only way to eliminate the pain permanently. Rather than undergo surgery, some people prefer to take aspirin indefinitely. Giant cell tumors usually occur in people in their 20s and 30s. These tumors most commonly originate in the ends of bones and may extend into adjacent tissue.