# Bessel-Hagen Disease: A Case Report of a Rare Disease

**Authors:** Fz Ammor, Mouad Gourti, Imane Lefqih, Elmehdi Maidi

PMC · DOI: 10.7759/cureus.89651 · Cureus · 2025-08-08

## TL;DR

This case report describes a young adult with Bessel-Hagen disease who had multiple benign bone growths and underwent successful surgical removal of a chest wall lesion.

## Contribution

The novelty lies in demonstrating the benefit of surgical intervention in Bessel-Hagen disease even when there is no pain or complications.

## Key findings

- A young adult male with a family history of exostoses presented with multiple osteochondromas confirmed by radiological evaluation.
- Surgical resection of a chest wall lesion was performed for functional and cosmetic reasons with no postoperative complications.
- Follow-up showed no recurrence, supporting individualized management in Bessel-Hagen disease.

## Abstract

Bessel-Hagen disease, also known as hereditary multiple exostoses, is a rare genetic disorder characterized by the development of multiple benign bony outgrowths (osteochondromas), most commonly at the metaphyses of long bones. Although it typically presents in childhood, the clinical manifestations can vary greatly, ranging from asymptomatic masses to significant skeletal deformities. In this case report, we describe a young adult male with a family history of exostoses who presented with a painless, visible mass on his anterolateral chest wall, along with a similar lesion on the anterior tibia. Radiological evaluation confirmed multiple osteochondromas, without signs of malignancy or inflammation. Given the location and progressive nature of the chest lesion, surgical resection was performed for both functional and cosmetic reasons. The postoperative course was uneventful, and follow-up showed no recurrence. This case highlights the importance of individualized management in Bessel-Hagen disease, where surgical intervention may be beneficial even in the absence of pain or complications.

## Linked entities

- **Diseases:** Bessel-Hagen disease (MONDO:0005508), hereditary multiple exostoses (MONDO:0005508)

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** inflammation (MESH:D007249), skeletal deformities (MESH:D009140), malignancy (MESH:D009369), pain (MESH:D010146), chest lesion (MESH:D002637), genetic disorder (MESH:D030342), osteochondromas (MESH:D015831), Bessel-Hagen Disease (MESH:D005097)

## Full text

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## Figures

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## References

8 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12334325/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12334325