Enchondroma

Enchondroma is a benign cartilaginous tumor that typically occurs in the medullary cavity of bones.

Most commonly found in the small bones of the hands and feet, enchondromas can occasionally develop in larger bones such as the femur, humerus, or tibia.

These tumors are composed of hyaline cartilage and are usually asymptomatic, often discovered incidentally during imaging for other reasons.

In some cases, enchondromas may cause swelling or mild pain, particularly if they are large or located in weight-bearing bones.

Although generally non-cancerous, there is a small risk of malignant transformation into chondrosarcoma, especially in cases where multiple enchondromas are present, a condition known as Ollier disease or Maffucci syndrome.

Diagnosis of enchondroma is typically achieved through imaging studies.

X-rays can reveal characteristic features such as endosteal scalloping and calcifications within the lesion.

Advanced imaging modalities like MRI or CT scans offer more detailed visualization of the tumor and help in assessing its size and relation to surrounding tissues.

Management of enchondroma depends on the presence of symptoms and the risk of complications.

Asymptomatic lesions often require no treatment but are monitored periodically for changes.

Symptomatic enchondromas, or those with concerning features, may necessitate surgical intervention.

The surgical approach typically involves curettage and bone grafting to remove the tumor and stabilize the affected bone.