enchondromer

An enchondromer is a rare benign tumor characterized by the abnormal proliferation of cartilage within the medullary cavity of bones. These tumors are classified as enchondromas, which are mature hyaline cartilage tumors that typically arise in the small bones of the hands and feet, but can also occur in long bones such as the femur, humerus, and tibia.

Enchondromas are often asymptomatic and discovered incidentally through imaging. When symptoms do occur, they may include swelling, pain, or pathological fractures due to weakening of the affected bone. The exact cause of enchondromer formation is not well understood, but it involves disorganized cartilage development during bone growth.

Diagnosis is primarily achieved through radiographic imaging, which typically reveals well-defined, radiolucent lesions with possible chondroid calcifications. MRI can further delineate the extent of the tumor and its relationship to surrounding structures. Histologically, enchondromas display hyaline cartilage with relatively uniform chondrocytes in a myxoid matrix.

Treatment usually involves monitoring for asymptomatic cases or surgical intervention when the lesion causes pain, deformity, or fracture. Curettage with bone grafting is the common surgical approach. Although benign, enchondromas carry a small risk of malignant transformation into chondrosarcoma, particularly in cases associated with certain syndromes such as Ollier disease or Maffucci syndrome.

Prognosis following treatment is generally favorable, with low recurrence rates when adequately managed. Regular surveillance is recommended to detect any signs of malignant change or recurrence.