enchondroma
Noun: A benign, slow-growing tumor composed of cartilaginous cells. It typically develops within the interior of a bone, most commonly at the ends of tubular bones in the hands and feet.
The term is used in medical contexts to diagnose and describe a specific type of non-cancerous bone tumor. * An enchondroma is often discovered incidentally on an X-ray taken for another reason. * The doctor explained that the pain in her finger was likely caused by a small enchondroma. * Multiple enchondromas can be a feature of certain genetic conditions.
- Enchondromatosis: This is a related but distinct term referring to a condition characterized by the presence of multiple enchondromas. (e.g., Ollier disease is a form of enchondromatosis).
- The adjective form enchondromatous is used to describe tissue or growth having the characteristics of an enchondroma.
- Chondroma: A broader term for a benign tumor of cartilaginous origin, which can occur in bone (enchondroma) or on the surface of bone/bone lining (juxtacortical or periosteal chondroma).
- Osteochondroma: A different type of benign bone tumor that projects from the bone surface and has a cartilage cap.
- Benign cartilaginous tumor
- Intramedullary chondroma (describing its location inside the bone marrow cavity)
The definition is specific to a benign (non-cancerous) growth. While rare, an enchondroma can potentially transform into a malignant chondrosarcoma, which is a significant clinical consideration. The core meaning, however, remains a benign tumor of cartilage cells within bone.
-
benign slow-growing tumor of cartilaginous cells at the ends of tubular bones (especially in the hands and feet)
