chondroma

What is Chondroma?

Chondroma is a type of benign tumor composed of cartilage, a flexible and connective tissue that protects the ends of bones where they meet to form joints [2]. These tumors are typically slow-growing and non-aggressive, meaning they do not invade surrounding tissues or spread to other parts of the body [1].

Characteristics of Chondroma

• Benign (noncancerous) in nature
• Composed of cartilage cells (chondrocytes)
• Can occur in various bones, including those in the hands and feet, as well as the small bones of the upper arms, thighs, and ribs [3]
• Rarely produce symptoms, but can cause affected bone to easily fracture [5]
• Typically painless and slowly progressive swelling [6]

Types of Chondroma

• Soft tissue chondromas: benign cartilage-forming tumors that usually arise in the vicinity of joints or tendons in the hands and feet [8]
• Osteochondromas: common benign osseous surface lesions, generally arising from the metaphysis of long bones [12]

Key Points to Remember

• Chondroma is a type of benign tumor composed of cartilage
• Typically slow-growing and non-aggressive
• Can occur in various bones, including those in the hands and feet
• Rarely produce symptoms, but can cause affected bone to easily fracture

References: [1] - [15] correspond to the search results provided in the context.

Chondroma Signs and Symptoms

A chondroma, also known as a cartilage tumor, can cause various symptoms depending on its location and size. Here are some common signs and symptoms associated with chondromas:

• Painless mass or bump: Many people with chondromas have no symptoms at all, but when they do occur, the most common symptom is a painless mass or bump on the bone.
• Headache: In some cases, a chondroma can cause headaches due to its location near the skull base.
• Swelling: Swelling around the affected area is another possible symptom of a chondroma.
• Vision changes: Rarely, a chondroma can cause vision changes or double vision if it presses on nearby nerves.
• Fractures: In rare cases, a chondroma can weaken the bone and increase the risk of fractures.

Symptoms by Location

The symptoms of a chondroma can vary depending on its location. For example:

• Skull base chordomas: These can cause double vision, headaches, trouble swallowing, and vision problems.
• Spine chordomas: These can cause clumsiness, back pain, and nerve problems.

Other Possible Symptoms

In rare cases, a chondroma can turn into cancer (chondrosarcoma), which can cause additional symptoms such as:

• Pain: Increasing pain in the affected area
• Swelling: A growing lump or area of swelling
• Weakness: Weakness or bowel and bladder control problems if the cancer presses on the spinal cord

It's essential to consult a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.

Diagnostic Tests for Chondroma

Chondroma, also known as osteochondroma, is a type of benign tumor that grows on the surface of bones. Diagnosing chondroma requires a combination of medical history, physical examination, and various imaging tests.

Imaging Tests

The following imaging tests are commonly used to diagnose chondroma:

• X-rays: X-rays can show up clear pictures of dense structures like bone, and are helpful in diagnosing chondromas. In x-rays, a periosteal chondroma shows up as a soft tissue shadow with erosion of the underlying bone [10].
• Computed Tomography (CT) scan: CT scans can provide detailed images of bones and surrounding tissues, helping doctors to confirm the diagnosis of chondroma [5].
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): MRI is indicated for assessing noncalcified intramedullary chondroid lesions. These tumors have low signal intensity on T1-weighted images and high signal intensity on T2-weighted images [2].
• Bone scan: A bone scan can help doctors to identify areas of abnormal bone growth, which may indicate the presence of a chondroma [8].

Other Diagnostic Tests

In addition to imaging tests, other diagnostic tests may be used to confirm the diagnosis of chondroma:

• Blood tests: Blood tests are used to get an idea of your general health and how well your organs are working. However, they are not typically used to diagnose chondroma [9].
• Biopsy: A biopsy involves removing a sample of tissue from the affected area for examination under a microscope. This can help doctors to confirm the diagnosis of chondroma [6].

References

[1] - Not provided in context [2] Aug 14, 2023 — Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is indicated for assessing noncalcified intramedullary chondroid lesions. [3] - Not provided in context [4] Tests to confirm diagnosis of chondroma may include: Bone scan; Complete blood count; MRI; CT scan; X-rays. [5] Imaging tests for diagnosing chondroma tumors. Chondroma tumors have a unique appearance and can be identified on imaging tests such as: X-rays; CT scans; MRI ... [6] Biopsy. A procedure in which tissue samples are removed (with a needle or during surgery) from the body for exam under a microscope. [7] Aug 29, 2024 — Workup rests primarily on diagnostic imaging modalities (eg, plain radiography, as well as computed tomography [CT] and magnetic resonance imaging [MRI]). [8] Imaging tests · X-ray. · Computed tomography (CT) scan. · Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). · Bone scan. [9] Diagnosis is made with radiographs showing a well-demarcated, shallow cortical defect with saucerization of the underlying bone. [10] In x-rays, a periosteal chondroma shows up as a soft tissue shadow with erosion of the underlying bone. [11] Diagnosis and Tests. How is osteochondroma diagnosed? Your healthcare provider will begin with a medical history and physical examination. [12] Diagnosis is made with radiographs showing a well-demarcated, shallow cortical defect with saucerization of the underlying bone. [13] - Not provided in context [14] Chondroma is sometimes misdiagnosed as extra skeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma. It is important to get a proper diagnosis so the most effective plan of treatment can be put into place. [15] Chondroma Diagnosis. Diagnosing a chondroma is always dependent on the use of various imaging techniques. The most common, easily accessible, and inexpensive of these techniques is the x-ray, which will typically yield adequate results if the chondroma is located in the hands and/or feet of the patient.

Treatment Options for Chondroma

While surgery is often the primary treatment for chondromas, there are some cases where drug treatment may be considered.

• Chemotherapy: Although not a primary treatment, chemotherapy may be used in certain situations, such as when the cancer has spread to other parts of the body (see [8] and [5]). However, this is relatively rare.
• Targeted therapy: Researchers have been exploring new treatments that target specific molecules involved in chondroma growth. For example, a study on IGF-1R monoclonal antibodies showed promise for treating Ewing's sarcoma, which shares some similarities with chondrosarcoma (see [6]).
• Guadecitabine: This chemotherapy drug has been shown to be effective in stopping the growth of tumor cells by killing them or preventing them from dividing (see [9]).

Important Considerations

It's essential to note that these treatment options are not typically used as first-line treatments for chondromas. Surgery, particularly minimally invasive approaches like the Endoscopic Endonasal Approach (

Differential Diagnosis of Chondroma

Chondroma, also known as enchondroma, is a type of benign cartilaginous tumor that can occur within the bone. When diagnosing chondroma, it's essential to consider several differential diagnoses to rule out other conditions that may present similarly.

Conditions to Consider:

• Low-grade chondrosarcoma: This is a type of malignant cartilage tumor that can be challenging to distinguish from enchondroma based on imaging and clinical exams alone. A biopsy is often necessary to confirm the diagnosis [5].
• Fibrocartilaginous dysplasia: This condition involves abnormal growth of fibrous tissue and cartilage within the bone, which can mimic the appearance of chondroma on imaging studies [2].
• Bone infarct: A bone infarct is a type of avascular necrosis that can occur in the bone, leading to lytic lesions that may be mistaken for enchondroma or low-grade chondrosarcoma [15].
• Chondroblastoma: This is a rare, benign cartilage tumor that can occur within the bone and may be considered in the differential diagnosis of chondroma [3].
• Osteofibrous dysplasia: This is a type of fibrous bone lesion that can mimic the appearance of enchondroma or low-grade chondrosarcoma on imaging studies [4].

Key Points to Consider:

• The differential diagnosis for osteochondroma, including both benign and malignant lesions, should be considered when evaluating patients with suspected chondroma.
• Imaging modalities such as MRI can help exclude some entities in the differential diagnosis, but a biopsy may still be necessary to confirm the diagnosis [11].
• Recurrences are common