Kulsum International Hospital

Hereditary Multiple Exostoses

On this page
  1. Overview
  2. Symptoms
  3. Causes and risk factors
  4. Diagnosis
  5. Treatment
  6. When to see a doctor

Overview

The bony lumps are usually not cancerous and grow during childhood. They can cause pain, deformity and problems with joints.

Symptoms

  • Hard lumps near the joints, such as the knees, shoulders or wrists
  • Pain or pressure on nerves and vessels
  • Limb deformities or uneven limb length
  • Reduced joint movement
  • Short stature

Causes and risk factors

It is caused by changes in the EXT1 or EXT2 genes and often runs in families.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is based on examination and X-rays. MRI may be used to look at lumps that change.

Treatment

Many lumps are monitored. Surgery may remove painful lumps or correct deformities. Rarely, a lump can become cancerous, so new pain or growth in adults should be checked.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor for new bony lumps, pain, or a lump that grows after growth has finished.

This information is for general education and does not replace advice from a qualified doctor. For a medical emergency, call +92-51-8446666 or go to the nearest emergency department.

Our doctors

Consultants in the KIH departments that diagnose and treat Hereditary Multiple Exostoses.