Frontal bossing

Frontal bossing is a medical term used to describe a prominent, protruding forehead that's also often associated with a heavy brow ridge. This condition is usually a sign of an underlying disease or disorder, especially if it's present in a child.

Causes

Frontal bossing can be caused by a variety of conditions, including:

• Acromegaly: This is a hormonal disorder that develops when the pituitary gland produces too much growth hormone. It most commonly affects middle-aged adults.
• Pfeiffer syndrome: This is a genetic disorder characterized by the premature fusion of certain bones of the skull, which affects the shape of the head and face.
• Hurler syndrome: This is a rare, inherited disease of metabolism in which a person cannot break down long chains of sugar molecules called glycosaminoglycans.
• Basal cell nevus syndrome: This is a rare, inherited disorder that involves the skin, nervous system, eyes, endocrine glands, and bones. It affects both men and women of all races.

Symptoms

The main symptom of frontal bossing is an unusually prominent or protruding forehead. Other symptoms will depend on the underlying cause and may include:

• Facial deformities
• Developmental delays
• Vision problems
• Hearing loss

Diagnosis

Frontal bossing is usually diagnosed through a physical examination. The doctor may also order imaging tests, such as X-rays or CT scans, to get a better look at the skull. Genetic testing may be done if a genetic disorder is suspected.

Treatment

Treatment for frontal bossing depends on the underlying cause. It may include surgery to reshape the skull or to remove any growths. Hormone therapy may be used in cases where a hormonal disorder is the cause.

See also

• Craniosynostosis
• Macrocephaly
• Microcephaly

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