An enchondroma is a non-cancerous tumor made of cartilage that usually forms in the small bones of the hands and feet.

Enchondromas are the most frequent type of bone tumor in the hand.

The specific cause isn't known, but it may be due to unusual growth of cartilage cells in the bone.

Enchondromas are benign, but they can rarely change into a cancerous tumor called chondrosarcoma.

Many do not cause symptoms. If they do, symptoms may include pain, swelling, or fractures because of bone weakening.

Diagnosis is done usually with X-ray, MRI, or bone scan to check the characteristics of the tumor and rule out cancer.

It looks like a lytic bone lesion that often has stippled calcification inside the bone on an X-ray.

Not always. Treatment is based on symptoms, fracture risk, and any signs of cancer.

Watchful waiting, surgical removal, and bone grafting are common treatments, especially if the tumor causes issues.

Curettage means surgically scraping out the tumor from the bone.

Surgery might be needed if the tumor causes pain, fractures, or shows signs of being cancerous.

Recovery can take weeks to months, based on the surgery's extent and any problems.

Yes, they can recur, but proper surgical removal usually lowers this risk.

Changes in symptoms or imaging, like increased pain or tumor growth, may suggest cancer, necessitating further checks.

Physical therapy might be advised to regain strength and function in the hand after surgery.

Yes, enchondromas can appear in kids and adults, but are often found in young adults.

An enchondroma is benign, while a chondrosarcoma is malignant and has ability to spread.

Yes, if it significantly weakens the bone, it may cause fractures.

It usually is not painful unless linked to a fracture or severe bone weakening.

Painful enchondromas are often surgically treated to relieve pain and prevent fractures.

Reducing activities that strain the hand can help lower symptoms and fracture risks.

The outlook is typically good with proper care, as they are benign and seldom cause long-term problems.

Regular check-ups with imaging can help observe any changes in size or consistency of the tumor.

No specific medications target enchondromas, but pain can be treated with analgesics if necessary. 25. Can enchondromas go away by themselves?

Larger size, pain, or fast growth can suggest a higher risk of cancer and may need more tests.

Preparing for surgery usually means getting imaging done, tests on your blood, and talking to the surgeon about any medications you take.

Imaging is useful for diagnosing the tumor, watching how it changes, and planning any needed surgery.

It depends on how big the enchondroma is, its location, and if it causes issues or weakens the hand.

Doctors can check for growth through imaging and by looking for any changes in symptoms.

If left untreated, symptomatic enchondromas can result in fractures or, in rare cases, cancer.

This is a type of enchondroma that grows out into nearby soft tissues or surfaces of bone.

There’s no direct effect, but good bone health through enough calcium and vitamin D is helpful.

Surgery, especially curettage with bone grafting, is very successful for symptomatic enchondromas.

Usually, they are singular, but multiple enchondromas can happen, especially in conditions like Ollier's disease or Maffucci syndrome.

Ollier’s disease involves having many enchondromas, often affecting one side of the body more.

Maffucci syndrome includes multiple enchondromas and soft tissue tumors, with a higher chance of cancer.

A biopsy includes taking a small sample of the tumor for lab examination to confirm what it is.

The chance is low, but regular monitoring is important for early cancer detection.

They can affect anyone but are often seen in younger people and can be linked to certain genetic conditions.

Stay away from high-impact activities that could stress the hand and raise the risk of fractures.

Check-up frequency depends on the enchondroma's size, location, and symptoms, as advised by a doctor, usually every 6 to 12 months.

Most enchondromas aren't inherited, but some conditions like Ollier's disease have a genetic aspect.

They can affect hand function if they cause pain, deformity, or fractures, though many have no symptoms.

See a doctor if you have increased pain, swelling, or any new symptoms.

Swelling can happen, especially if the enchondroma is large or linked to a fracture.

47. How can I determine if I have an enchondroma or another type of tumor in my hand?

48. Is there a connection between... Enchondromas and arthritis?

49. Can enchondromas be avoided?

50. Can I use my hand like usual with an enchondroma?