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Fibrous dysplasia

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment
• Prevention

Definition:

Fibrous dysplasia refers to a group of conditions that destroys and replaces normal bone with cystic bone growth. There are three types:

• Mono -- one bone is affected
• Polyostic -- several bones are affected
• McCune Albright -- in addition to the bone abnormalities, there are skin pigmentation and endocrine abnormalities.

Alternative Names:

Inflammatory fibrous hyperplasia; Idiopathic fibrous hyperplasia

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

The condition occurs in childhood, usually between 3 and 15 years of age. Bone lesions, unusual skin pigmentation, and endocrine gland abnormalities are symptoms. The bone lesions may stop when the child reaches puberty. The condition is not hereditary and the cause is unknown.

• Review Date: 11/21/2005
• Reviewed By: Christos Ballas, M.D., Attending Psychiatrist, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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