Osteoid osteoma is typically seen in which group, and what symptom is characteristic?

• A. Seen in elderly >60 with dull pain relieved by NSAIDs
• B. Seen in patients aged 5-20 and pain relieved by aspirin
• C. Seen in adolescents with constant pain improved by heat
• D. Seen in children with painless swelling

Answer: (B)

Osteoid osteoma is best understood as a small, benign bone tumor that tends to arise in younger patients and causes a sharp, localized pain that is most pronounced at night and dramatically relieved by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin. The reason aspirin helps is that the nidus of the tumor produces high levels of prostaglandins, which drive the pain; NSAIDs cut that prostaglandin production and dramatically reduce symptoms.

This fits the choice describing patients aged 5–20 with pain that is relieved by aspirin. The other scenarios don’t match the typical pattern: older adults are unlikely to develop this tumor, and the pain is usually not a dull constant ache; heat generally doesn’t relieve it, and painless swelling isn’t characteristic because the pain is a defining feature.