Is an enchondroma a cyst?
Enchondroma is a benign cartilage tumor or cyst, found within bone marrow via X-ray.
What is a size enchondroma?
The size of the enchondroma is often < 3 cm. Radiologically, matrix mineralization in the form of “popcorn” calcifications is often seen. The edge of the lesion is most often lobular and sharp.
Is enchondroma a Chondroma?
Key Concepts. Chondromas are the most common tumor of the phalanges. Chondromas have a medullary (enchondroma) or juxtacortical (perichondroma) location. They usually occur in patients younger than age 30 years.
What does enchondroma mean?
An enchondroma is a type of noncancerous bone tumor that begins in cartilage. Cartilage is the gristly connective tissue from which most bones develop.
How would you describe enchondroma?
Enchondromas comprise lobules of mature hyaline cartilage which are partially or completely encased by surrounding normal bone 9. The cartilaginous lobules may undergo endochondral ossification, often resulting in the characteristic ‘rings and arcs’ pattern of mineralization.
Is enchondroma serious?
Enchondromas can grow and compress healthy bone tissue. However, most enchondromas are benign. Benign cartilage tumors usually don’t spread or destroy bone tissue. They’re rarely life-threatening.
Should I be worried about enchondroma?
In most cases, enchondromas are not painful and do not cause any symptoms. However, if the tumors appear in the hands or feet, or if there are multiple lesions, the bone can weaken and become deformed. This can lead to pathologic bone fractures or enlargement of the affected fingers.
When should I be concerned about an enchondroma?
There is greater concern if the pain occurs when you are at rest or at night and does not go away. Pain caused by activity is less worrisome. In some cases, your doctor may give you an injection into the joint near the tumor. If the injection relieves your pain, it indicates that the enchondroma is not the cause.
Do enchondromas need to be removed?
If an enchondroma isn’t causing you any pain, it usually doesn’t need to be treated. If you have multiple enchondromas or if an enchondroma is causing you pain, your healthcare provider will typically recommend surgery to remove them. Multiple enchondromas can weaken your bones and cause fractures.
Can enchondroma become cancerous?
Single enchondromas rarely become cancerous, though the chances are a little higher in patients with Ollier disease and Maffucci syndrome. When enchondromas do become cancerous, they usually become a type of malignant cartilage tumor called a chondrosarcoma.