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Enchondroma

Benign cartilage tumor arising within the medullary cavity of bones, typically of the hand.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Published:

This content is for general information; please consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Ortopedi ve Travmatoloji department. Book Appointment →

What is Enchondroma?

Enchondroma is a benign cartilaginous tumor composed of mature hyaline cartilage that develops within the medullary cavity of bone, most commonly in the small tubular bones of the hand and feet but also in long bones.

Most lesions are asymptomatic and discovered incidentally on radiographs as well-defined, lobulated lytic lesions with stippled chondroid matrix; symptomatic patients may present with pain or pathologic fracture.

Multiple enchondromas occur in Ollier disease and Maffucci syndrome, which carry an increased risk of malignant transformation to chondrosarcoma.

Symptoms

Often asymptomatic incidental finding
Persistent or activity-related pain
Localized swelling
Pathologic fracture after minor trauma
Deformity in long-standing or multiple lesions
Limited joint range of motion
Tenderness on palpation

Risk Factors

Ollier disease (multiple enchondromatosis)
Maffucci syndrome with hemangiomas
Family history of skeletal dysplasia
Previous solitary enchondroma in long bones
Pre-existing skeletal disease
Occupational repetitive hand stress
Pediatric or young adult onset of pain

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • New persistent bone pain at the lesion site
  • Pathologic fracture
  • Rapidly growing or painful lesion
  • Increasing size on serial imaging
  • Multiple lesions in a child
  • Suspected malignant transformation in long bones
  • Functional limitation of the hand

Treatment Methods

01
Plain radiographs and MRI for characterization
02
Observation with periodic imaging in asymptomatic small lesions
03
Curettage and bone grafting for symptomatic or fracture-prone lesions
04
Internal fixation when fracture is present
05
Wide excision in suspected chondrosarcoma
06
Genetic counseling in Ollier and Maffucci syndromes
07
Long-term orthopedic surveillance for transformation risk

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Ortopedi ve Travmatoloji department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

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Enchondroma

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Enchondroma is a benign cartilaginous tumor arising within the medullary canal of bone, composed of mature hyaline cartilage. It is the most common benign tumor of the hand (40–60% of solitary lesions) and is also frequent in proximal humerus, femur, and tibia. Most are asymptomatic incidental findings; symptoms include pain (especially with pathologic fracture) or local swelling. Imaging shows lytic intramedullary lesion with characteristic chondroid (stippled, popcorn, ring-and-arc) calcifications. Management is observation for asymptomatic typical enchondromas, and curettage with bone grafting for symptomatic, pathologic fracture, or atypical features. Multiple enchondromas occur in Ollier disease and Maffucci syndrome with malignant transformation risk.

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.