The tumor of the hyaline cartilage is called?

AIIMS Raipur - 2017 (shift-2)

Pathology & Genetics

Easy

Appeared in: AIIMS Raipur - 2017 (shift-2)

Explanation

An enchondroma is a benign (non-cancerous) tumor composed of mature hyaline cartilage.
It is the most common type of cartilage tumor that arises within the medullary cavity (the central part) of a bone.
These tumors are most frequently found in the small tubular bones of the hands and feet.
While they are benign, they can weaken the bone and lead to pathological fractures.

Option A: An osteochondroma is a benign tumor composed of both bone and a cap of hyaline cartilage. It is a bony outgrowth (exostosis) rather than a tumor purely of cartilage.
Option B: Osteosarcoma is a malignant tumor that arises from primitive bone-forming cells (osteoblasts). Its hallmark is the production of osteoid (immature bone), not cartilage.
Option D: Chondrosarcoma is a malignant tumor composed of cartilage-producing cells. While it is a tumor of cartilage, the term 'enchondroma' specifically refers to the common benign variant.

Visual 1: Table: Comparison of Bone and Cartilage Tumors - A table summarizing the key features (Benign/Malignant, Tissue of Origin, Common Location) of Enchondroma, Osteochondroma, Osteosarcoma, and Chondrosarcoma.
Visual 2: X-ray Image: Enchondroma - An X-ray showing a typical enchondroma in a phalanx (finger bone), appearing as a well-defined, radiolucent lesion with possible spotty calcifications.
Visual 3: Histology Slide: Enchondroma - A micrograph showing nodules of benign hyaline cartilage with small, uniform chondrocytes within lacunae.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Classification of bone and cartilage tumors as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Most enchondromas are asymptomatic and are often discovered incidentally on X-rays taken for other reasons.
A key nursing role involves patient education regarding the benign nature of the tumor, but also the signs of a potential pathologic fracture, such as sudden pain or swelling.
While solitary enchondromas rarely become malignant, the risk increases in syndromes involving multiple enchondromas (e.g., Ollier disease, Maffucci syndrome). Nurses should be aware of this association during health history assessment.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key terms in the question: 'tumor' and 'hyaline cartilage'.
This is a factual recall question that tests your knowledge of pathology and the classification of bone tumors.
Analyze the terminology of the options. 'Chondro-' relates to cartilage, 'osteo-' to bone, '-oma' to a benign tumor, and '-sarcoma' to a malignant tumor.
Evaluate each option based on its composition: Osteochondroma (bone and cartilage), Osteosarcoma (bone), Enchondroma (cartilage), and Chondrosarcoma (cartilage).
Differentiate between the cartilage tumors. Enchondroma is benign and grows inside the bone. Chondrosarcoma is malignant.
Select the option that best fits the definition of a benign tumor composed of hyaline cartilage, which is Enchondroma.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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