What does an enchondroma consist of?

An enchondroma is a type of benign bone tumor that develops from cartilage. Specifically, it consists of hyaline cartilage, which is a smooth and glassy type of cartilage found in various areas of the body, including joints and the rib cage. The presence of cartilage in the bone is what defines an enchondroma, as it typically arises in the medullary cavity of bones, primarily in the small bones of the hands and feet, but can also be found in larger bones.

Understanding the nature of enchondromas is important in distinguishing them from other types of tumors and pathologies. Since they are primarily made of cartilage, they do not contain fatty tissue, bone marrow, or fibrous tissue as their main structural components. This characteristic makes knowing the composition essential for orthopedic technologists, especially in evaluating imaging studies or planning treatment options for patients with such lesions.