Enchondroma

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Enchondroma
Micrograph of an enchondroma.
Synonyms
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Often asymptomatic, may cause pain or swelling
Complications	Pathological fracture, malignant transformation
Onset	Usually diagnosed in young adults
Duration	Chronic
Types	N/A
Causes	Unknown
Risks
Diagnosis	X-ray, MRI, CT scan, biopsy
Differential diagnosis	Chondrosarcoma, Osteochondroma, Bone cyst
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Observation, surgical removal if symptomatic
Medication
Prognosis	Generally good, low risk of malignancy
Frequency	Common
Deaths	N/A

Enchondroma is a benign (non-cancerous) tumor that originates from cartilage cells. These tumors are typically found in the small bones of the hands and feet, but can occur in any bone that contains cartilage.

Symptoms

Enchondromas are often asymptomatic, meaning they do not cause any symptoms. They are usually discovered incidentally during imaging studies for other conditions. However, in some cases, they may cause pain or swelling, or lead to pathological fractures (breaks in a bone caused by a disease).

Causes

The exact cause of enchondromas is unknown. They are thought to arise from cartilage remnants that are left behind during the normal growth and development of the skeleton.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of an enchondroma is usually made based on imaging studies, such as X-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). These tests can show the characteristic appearance of an enchondroma, which is a well-defined, lucent (light) area within the bone. In some cases, a biopsy may be needed to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment

The treatment of enchondromas depends on their size, location, and whether they are causing symptoms. Small, asymptomatic enchondromas may simply be monitored with regular imaging studies. If an enchondroma is causing pain, swelling, or has led to a pathological fracture, treatment may involve surgery to remove the tumor and repair the bone.

Enchondroma images

• 
  X-ray of femur showing enchondroma
• 
  T1 sagittal MRI of femur with enchondroma

See also

• Bone tumor
• Cartilage
• Pathological fracture

References

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