All information given here is of general nature only, a tumor therapy always belongs in the hands of an experienced oncologist!
Synonyms
Central (osteo-)chondrome, chondrome multiple enchondromatosis: generalized enchondromatosis, dyschondroplasia, skeletal chondromatosis, Ollier’s disease, Mafucci syndrome, chondrome within a bone, chondroblastoma.
Definition
An enchondrome is a benign bone tumor of cartilaginous origin (chondrome) within a bone. An enchondrome is the most common tumor found within the small tubular bones of the hand and foot, or on the pelvis, or in large tubular bones. Especially in these areas, this tumor, which consists of mature cartilage cells, grows into the soft parts of a bone (= medullary cavity) of the respective bone.
Enchondromas are usually benign, but malignant degeneration can be observed in about 20% of all cases. The probability of a malignant enchondrome is increased if the tumor is located close to the body trunk. There are six types of multiple enchondromas.
All types are considered developmental and calcification disorders, which usually manifest themselves in early childhood. They occur in the form of deformities or indolent swellings most frequently in the area of the hands and feet and thus represent tumor-like lesions. Special forms: M. Ollier (Ollier’s disease): The tubular and flat bones are affected on one side by chondromas.
In about 30% of all cases, a malignant end type, the so-called chondrosarcomas, occurs. Mafucci syndrome: multiple enchondromes occur in combination with mutliple cavernous hemangiomas (blood sponge) in the skin and internal organs. If a degeneration occurs, the rate of which in this area can be considered quite high, it is called secondary chondrosarcoma.
Summary
An enchondrome is a chondrome of cartilaginous original tissue within a bone. An enchondrome is the most common tumor found within the small tubular bones of the hand and foot, or on the pelvis, or in large tubular bones. Especially in these areas, this tumor, which consists of mature cartilage cells, grows into the soft parts of a bone (= medullary cavity) of the respective bone. Enchondromas are usually benign, but malignant degeneration can be observed in about 20% of all cases. The probability of a malignant enchondrome is increased if the tumor is located close to the stem.
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