An osteoma is a condition where the lining over the skull, called the periosteum, is severely bruised. It can stimulate a bony deposit to form deep in the skin. While it does not usually grow, it can cause an unsightly protrusion and oftentimes results in irritation of the overlying skin because of pressure from clothing, irritation, etc. Oftentimes, an x-ray can help to determine if this is a bony deposit or some other type of growth. If it is an osteoma, this can be surgically removed. New endoscopic surgery techniques allow one to make small incisions behind the hairline and use small telescopes to get underneath the skin. Special sanding instruments can be utilized to microscopically “sand down” the bony protuberance. Osteomas are benign or “non-cancerous”. However, one cannot fully determine if something is a malignancy without a biopsy. If an individual has an area that increases in size, is painful, bleeding, or frequently irritated, they should seek medical evaluation to be sure of the condition. This is especially true if the individual is experiencing significant weight loss.