Chondroma and Other Benign Bone Tumors: What They Are

In a radiologist's report or a discharge summary, you may come across a frightening word: chondroma, enchondroma, osteochondroma. These names refer to benign bone tumors — growths made of cartilage or bone tissue. Let's break down what each of them means, how such growths are found, and at what point a doctor is needed.

What chondroma and enchondroma are

Chondroma is a potentially benign tumor made of cartilage tissue. It occurs mainly in children and young people; congenital chondromas also occur. It typically affects the fingers and toes, and less often the bones of the thigh, upper arm, and ribs. The causes are not reliably known; prior injuries and inflammatory processes are considered predisposing factors.

Chondromas mostly grow slowly and remain local growths for a long time, but sometimes they reach very large sizes and produce new nodules around the main tumor. That is why a cartilage growth should be evaluated by a doctor.

Enchondroma is located inside the bone: in the center of the lesion there is a homogeneous lucency of round or oval shape with clear contours, against which shadows of areas of cartilage calcification are visible. It most often appears in the bones of the hands and feet and frequently provokes fractures.

Enchondroma tends to transform into a malignant tumor — chondrosarcoma: the growth begins to grow faster, becomes harder due to calcification, and pain appears. The diagnosis is clarified with a biopsy.

Osteochondroma: what kind of growth it is

Osteochondroma is a common benign bone tumor that is easy to feel with the fingers. It is located mainly in the long tubular bones — the humerus, femur, and tibia. On an X-ray it is seen as an additional shadow with uneven contours, connected to the bone by a stalk or a broad base. A large osteochondroma can deform adjacent bones; its transformation into a malignant tumor is possible. The differential diagnosis is made with osteochondral exostoses.

Chondroblastoma and other bone tumors

Chondroblastoma is a rare tumor, accounting for 1–1.8% of primary bone tumors. It occurs more often in childhood and adolescence, mainly in the femur, tibia, and humerus, and less often in the bones of the pelvis and scapula. Pain and swelling predominate, and rarely limited mobility in the joint and muscle weakness; on an X-ray a heterogeneous round lesion is visible.

Other names also appear in reports — osteoma, osteoid osteoma, osteoblastoma, osteoblastoclastoma. Their description is not provided here: such growths need to be assessed based on the images and examination results, not on a single word in a report.

Doctors separately distinguish cancer that started in the bone from the spread of a tumor from another organ into the bone: primary bone cancer is uncommon, while bone metastases are more common. The most common symptom of a bone tumor is pain.

How bone tumors are detected

The diagnosis of chondromas is based on examination findings and X-ray imaging; if necessary, scintigraphy and tumor biopsy are used to clarify the diagnosis.

• Exactly where the growth is located and what is visible on the image.
• Whether scintigraphy or biopsy is needed.
• How often to repeat the X-ray and what should be considered a change.
• Which symptoms are a reason to come earlier than the scheduled time.

When a growth on a bone requires a doctor's examination

Any growth that can be felt, hurts, or grows is a reason to see a doctor. Chondroma manifests as pain, swelling, and induration in the area of the tumor, sometimes limited mobility of the adjacent joint, its edema, and joint pain. Enchondroma often makes itself known through a fracture of the bones of the hand or foot. A change in an already known growth is concerning: faster growth, induration due to calcification, and newly appeared pain.

With such a report, people consult a doctor: the doctor compares the images and the examination and decides whether additional tests are needed. The conversation begins not with the name, but with the question of what is visible on the image and what is bothering the person.

A growth on a bone is not in itself a reason to call an ambulance; 103/112 — for a life-threatening condition, for example, a severe injury.

This text is for reference: it helps to understand the words in a report, but it does not replace a consultation with a doctor who sees your images and you yourself.

This content is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation. Medical disclaimer