Enchondroma

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An Enchondroma is a cartilage cyst found in the bone marrow, e.g. the femur. Typically discovered on X-ray for other reasons.

Enchondromas have a characteristic appearance on Magnetic Resonance Imanging (MRI). They have also been reported to cause increased uptake on PET examination.

Enchondroma is a type of benign (non-cancerous) bone tumor that orginates from cartilage. Cartilage is the specialized, gristly connective tissue that is present in adults, and children ages 10 - 20. Enchondroma is most common in the hand, but may also affect the femur, humerus, and the tibia. The exact aetiology of it is not known.

An enchondroma most often affects the cartilage that lines the inside of the bones. The bones most often involved with this benign tumor are the miniature long bones of the hands and feet. It may, however, also involve other bones such as the femur (thighbone), humerus (upper arm bone), or tibia (one of the two lower leg bones).

Enchondromas are the most common type of hand tumor. While it may affect an individual at any age, it is most common between the ages of 10 and 20 years. The occurrence between males and females is equal.

What causes enchondroma? While the exact cause of enchondroma is not known, it is believed to occur either as an overgrowth of the cartilage that lines the ends of the bones, or as a persistent growth of original, embryonic cartilage.

Associated conditions to enchondroma: An enchondroma may occur as an individual tumor or several tumors. The conditions that involve multiple lesions include the following:

Ollier's disease (enchondromatosis) - when multiple sites in the body develop the tumors.

Maffucci's syndrome - a combination of multiple tumors and angiomas (benign tumors made up of blood vessels). What are the symptoms of an enchondroma? Individuals with an enchondroma often have no symptoms at all. The following are the most common symptoms of an enchondroma. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:

hand pain that may occur if the tumor is very large, or if the affected bone has weakened causing a hand fracture

enlargement of the affected finger

slow bone growth in the affected area The symptoms of enchondroma may resemble other medical conditions or problems. Always consult your physician for a diagnosis.

How is an enchondroma diagnosed? Because an individual with an enchondroma has few symptoms, diagnosis is sometimes made during a routine physical examination, or if the presence of the tumor leads to a fracture in the hand.

In addition to a complete medical history and physical examination, diagnostic procedures for enchondroma may include the following:

x-rays - a diagnostic test which uses invisible electromagnetic energy beams to produce images of internal tissues, bones, and organs onto film.

radionuclide bone scans - a nuclear imaging method to evaluate any degenerative and/or arthritic changes in the joints; to detect bone diseases and tumors; to determine the cause of bone pain or inflammation. This test is to rule out any infection or fractures.

magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) - a diagnostic procedure that uses a combination of large magnets, radiofrequencies, and a computer to produce detailed images of organs and structures within the body. This test is done to rule out any associated abnormalities of the spinal cord and nerves.

computed tomography scan (Also called a CT or CAT scan.) - a diagnostic imaging procedure that uses a combination of x-rays and computer technology to produce cross-sectional images (often called slices), both horizontally and vertically, of the body. A CT scan shows detailed images of any part of the body, including the bones, muscles, fat, and organs. CT scans are more detailed than general x-rays. Treatment for enchondromas: Specific treatment for enchondroma will be determined by your physician based on:

your age, overall health, and medical history extent of the disease your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies expectations for the course of the disease your opinion or preference Treatment may include:

surgery (in some cases, when bone weakening is present or fractures occur)

bone grafting - a surgical procedure in which healthy bone is transplanted from another part of the patient's body into the affected area. If there is no sign of bone weakening or growth of the tumor, observation only may be suggested. However, follow-up with repeat x-rays may be necessary. Some types of enchondromas can develop into malignant, or cancerous, bone tumors later. Careful follow-up with a physician may be recommended.