Non-Ossifying Fibroma

What is a non-ossifying fibroma?

Non-ossifying fibromas are the most common type of non-cancerous (benign) tumors in children. They are made up of fibrous tissue. Non-ossifying fibromas are most often found in the thigh bone or a shin bone but may also grow in an upper arm bone.

Most non-ossifying fibromas do not cause any symptoms and don’t usually need treatment. In most cases, they go away on their own by the time the child becomes an adult.

What are the signs and symptoms of a non-ossifying fibroma?

Most children do not have any symptoms. Often, non-ossifying fibromas are found during an x-ray for another condition. If your child does have symptoms, they may include:

• Mild swelling or tenderness in the area
• A dull ache in the area
• If the non-ossifying fibroma is very large, it can sometimes weaken the bone and cause a break

What causes a non-ossifying fibroma?

Experts do not know what causes some children to have non-ossifying fibromas.

How is a non-ossifying fibroma treated?

Most non-ossifying fibromas do not need any treatment. They often go away as your child grows. In many cases, you will not even know your child has the condition.

If your child is at risk of a bone fracture because of a large non-ossifying fibroma, your child’s doctor may recommend treatment to support the bone.