What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Juxtacortical Chondroma
• Parosteal Chondroma

What is Periosteal Chondroma? (Definition/Background Information)

• Periosteal Chondroma is a benign tumor of matured cartilage that occurs just below the surface of the bone lining (periosteum). Unlike a chondroma, which involves the medullary cavity of the bone, the Periosteal Chondroma does not involve the medullary cavity
• It is a relatively uncommon tumor accounting for less than 1% of bone tumors. A vast majority of tumors are asymptomatic and often diagnosed incidentally on radiological studies that are undertaken for other unrelated conditions
• Occasionally, the tumors can be painful resulting in bone pain. Large tumors can result in bone swelling and bone deformities. In some individuals, the presence of tumor can weaken the bone resulting in easy bone fractures (pathologic fractures)
• The treatment measures may involve a ‘wait and watch’ approach, or surgical excision, when needed. In most cases, the prognosis of Periosteal Chondroma is excellent

Who gets Periosteal Chondroma? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Periosteal Chondroma can affect individuals of any age; however, the tumor is most common in the 2nd and 3rd decades of life (ages 11 to 30 years)
• Both males and females are affected; a slight predilection towards males is observed (male-female ratio is 2:1)

What are the Risk Factors for Periosteal Chondroma? (Predisposing Factors)

• Presently, no clear risk factors have been established for Periosteal Chondroma

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one’s chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Periosteal Chondroma? (Etiology)

• The exact cause of Periosteal Chondroma is unknown
• Experts believe the tumor arises due to abnormalities in bone growth during fetal development

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Periosteal Chondroma?

A vast majority of Periosteal Chondromas are small and asymptomatic and often diagnosed incidentally on radiological studies that were performed for other conditions.

• Large tumors are more likely to cause bone pain
• The presence of the tumor can weaken the bone resulting in pathologic fractures, due to reduced mechanical bone strength
• The common sites of tumor formation include the humerus (upper arm bone), both proximal and distal femur (thighbone), and bones of the hands and feet. The tumors can also involve the pelvic bones, vertebral bones, and ribs
• When the tumor involves a finger or toe, enlargement of the affected digit can be seen
• In a majority of individuals, there is a single tumor; however, some individuals rarely have multiple tumors. The average size of Periosteal Chondroma is 2-3 cm; however, in some cases, the tumors may be as large as 6 cm
• Tumors present in the bones of the feet and hands tend be smaller, with average sizes of 1-2 cm

How is Periosteal Chondroma Diagnosed?

Periosteal Chondroma may be diagnosed by the following observations and tests:

• X-ray of the affected bone 
• MRI of the affected bone 
• CT-scan of the affected region
• Radionuclide bone scans; bone scan can help rule out fractures and bone infections
• A differential diagnosis to eliminate other tumor types should be considered before arriving at a definitive diagnosis. The differential diagnosis may include:
  • Low-grade chondrosarcoma
  • Periosteal myxoma
  • Synovial chondromatosis
  • Periosteal chondrosarcoma
  • Periosteal osteosarcoma

Note: On radiological studies the tumors appear as “hot spots”.

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Periosteal Chondroma?

In vast majority of cases of Periosteal Chondroma, there are no significant complications.

• Occasionally, infection of the surgical site in individuals who undergo surgery to remove the tumor
• Recurrent Periosteal Chondroma: In approximately 2% of the individuals, the tumor can recur after 7 years. In such cases, re-excision of the tumor may be performed. The returning tumors are usually small (measuring 1-3 cm in the greatest dimension). Occasionally, the tumors can be larger, measuring 5 cm or greater

How is Periosteal Chondroma Treated?

• The treatment of Periosteal Chondroma is determined by a variety of factors including:
  • The individual’s age
  • Overall health condition
• Asymptomatic tumors may not require any treatment; close monitoring is often adequate. Reassuring the individual is also very helpful
• In symptomatic cases, the tumor can be treated with bone curettage (tumor removal by scraping the bone)
• Large tumors may require bone grafting

How can Periosteal Chondroma be Prevented?

Current medical research has not established a method of preventing Periosteal Chondroma formation.

What is the Prognosis of Periosteal Chondroma? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• The prognosis is excellent in majority of cases upon complete removal/bone curettage
• Although, in a vast majority of individuals, no treatment is generally required for Periosteal Chondroma

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Periosteal Chondroma:

Please visit our Cancer & Benign Tumor Health Center for more physician-approved health information:

http://www.dovemed.com/diseases-conditions/cancer/