Is A Large Brow Bone From A Medical Condition?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I have noticed that my son who has just turned 21 years old has quite a prominent protruding brow. In fact, I noticed it a few years ago and I am quite positive that it has become larger in the past 12 months. He is 6ft 5in (195cm) tall – a very slim built person; a sports man. Other body features, such as face and head, are all normal in size and do not have the ‘giant syndrome’ disease – which I recall most people with a large protruding brows have. I am wondering – will the brow bone stop growing or could it become larger? Should we be concerned? Should he see a physician? Is this a particular condition or syndrome which needs investigation? Look forward to your early response. With sincere thanks.

A: In theory, frontal sinus development is almost always complete by the later teen or early 20s. Your son is a large man so his frontal sinus development may be normal for his size…or it could represent an underlying endocrinologic disorder of the pituitary gland or excessive growth hormone. I would  recommend that he be initially seen by an endocrinologist to rule out this potential medical condition even though it may be unlikely. X-rays of his frontal sinus would also be helpful to determine its size. If there is not an endocrinologic basis for his frontal sinus development and it is an aesthetic concern, brow bone reduction/reshaping is a surgical option

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana