enchondroma
Pronunciation: en-KON-droh-mah
A benign cartilaginous tumor arising within the medullary cavity of bones, most commonly affecting the hands and feet.
Full Definition
Enchondroma is a benign tumor composed of mature hyaline cartilage that arises within the medullary cavity of bones. These lesions most commonly affect the small bones of the hands and feet, though they can occur in any bone formed by endochondral ossification. Enchondromas typically appear as well-defined lytic lesions with characteristic punctate or ring-and-arc calcifications representing cartilage matrix. While generally asymptomatic and discovered incidentally, enchondromas can cause pathologic fractures and rarely undergo malignant transformation to chondrosarcoma, particularly in larger bones. Multiple enchondromas may occur in Ollier disease or Maffucci syndrome, which carry higher risks of malignant transformation.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from 'chondrosarcoma' by clinical context and imaging features.
In Context
- "The ring-and-arc calcifications within the lytic lesion were characteristic of enchondroma." — Radiology report
- "Multiple enchondromas in this patient suggested a diagnosis of Ollier disease." — Genetic evaluation