Important
It is possible that the main title of the report Gorham's Disease is not the name you expected. Please check the synonyms listing to find the alternate name(s) and disorder subdivision(s) covered by this report.
Synoyms
- Disappearing Bone Disease
- Gorham's Syndrome
- Gorham-Stout Syndrome
- Idiopathic Massive Osteolysis
- Massive Gorham Osteolysis
- Massive Osteolysis
- Morbus Gorham-Stout Disease
- Progressive Massive Osteolysis
- Vanishing Bone Disease
- Essential Osteolysis
Disorder Subdivision
- None
General Discussion
Gorham's Disease (GD) is an extremely rare bone disorder; fewer than 200 cases are reported in the medical literature. It is characterized by bone loss (osteolysis) often associated with swelling or abnormal blood vessel growth (angiomatous proliferation). Bone loss can occur in just one bone or spread to soft tissue and adjacent bones.
Although the disease may strike any of the bones of the body, it is more often recognized earlier when the bones at the top of the head (calvarium) and/or the mandibles are involved.
Because of its rarity, the disorder often goes unrecognized. As a result of that, coupled with a lack of agreement on how best to treat GD once it is recognized, treatment may often be delayed.

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