Benign cartilaginous tumors of the hand, a five-year retrospective study

Abstract

Benign and malignant cartilaginous bone tumors of the hand are rare findings, however representing a particular pathology due to the capacity to induce significant functional impairment. Even though a large proportion of tumors of the hand and wrist are benign, these may present destructive characteristics, deforming adjacent structures until compromising function. The most appropriate surgical approach for most benign tumors is intralesional lesion resection. Malignant tumors often require wide excision, up to segment amputation to obtain tumor control. A five-year retrospective study was performed on patients admitted in our Clinic with benign cartilaginous tumors of the hand, in which 15 patients were admitted within this period, 10 presenting with enchondroma, four presenting with osteochondroma, and lastly one with chondromatosis. After clinical and imaging evaluation, all the aforementioned tumors were surgically removed. Definitive diagnosis for all bone tumors, either benign or malignant, was established by tissue biopsy and histopathological examination, dictating therapeutic strategy.

Reconstructive Paradigms: A Problem-Solving Approach in Complex Tissue Defects

“…This emerging discipline focuses on repairing, replacing, or regenerating human cells, tissues, or organs to restore or establish normal function. In plastic surgery, the principles of regenerative medicine are being applied through innovative techniques such as tissue engineering, the application of adult stem cell therapy (ASCs), and the utilization of growth factors for optimal healing, including platelet-rich plasma (PRP) [ 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 ].…”

Hand tumors

“…It is a benign lesion of the cartilaginous matrix, with a predilection for the proximal phalanges, followed by the metacarpals, and middle phalanges 23 . The initial presentation is quite variable, ranging from a finding on a radiological examination (X-ray, computed tomography (CT), or magnetic resonance imaging) carried out for another reason ( Figure 4A ), such as complaints of pain and increased volume at the site of the lesions, to cases of pathological fractures 24 . The radiographic characteristic is similar to that of a lytic lesion, initially involving the metaphyseal area and then expanding to include diaphyseal and epiphyseal extensions, some internal calcifications, and mild to moderate degrees of expansion and thinning of the cortical bone ( Figure 4B ).…”

“…Malignant transformation in isolated chondrosarcomas is generally low (1%) and not reported in specific cases of the hand. In cases of multiple osteochondromatosis, it can be 2–5% 24 .…”