Learning More About Enchondroma

If your doctor has told you that you have an enchondroma, you might be feeling anxious, wondering what exactly is this and whether anything can be done to manage your condition. The good news is that enchondroma is common, treatable, and not dangerous in and of itself.

Enchondroma (pronounced en-kon-DRO-ma) is a type of benign, non-cancerous tumor. It begins in the cartilage inside your bones. Typically, enchondromas do not cause pain or other symptoms. In fact, most enchondromas are only uncovered in the course of diagnosing another condition. That is, as a doctor views x-rays related to an illness or injury, he or she notices signs of enchondroma.

Enchondromas can occur anywhere in the body, and are common on long bones such as those in the thigh or shin. They are most common in adolescents and young men and women between 10 and 20 years old. Doctors do not know what causes them to develop.

While enchondromas are asymptomatic, they typically do not require treatment. However, your podiatrist will want to monitor the size and number of your tumors and may recommend x-rays or other imaging tests in order to access the most accurate and detailed information. When multiple tumors develop, they can weaken the bone and lead to fracture. If your doctor sees multiple tumors, s/he may want to remove them prophylactically. If they cause a bone to break, surgery may be necessary in order to prevent it from happening again.

If you have a concern about the health and wellness of your feet, ankles, or lower legs, a visit with a podiatrist like Dr. Stavros O. Alexopoulos is the first step toward feeling better. Your foot doctor is a medical expert with years of specialized education and experience, and is the best-qualified doctor to care for this part of your body. Schedule a convenient appointment in the modern, comfortable My Chicago Foot Expert office. Call our friendly staff at (773) 561-8100 or click here to get started today.