Chondroma: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Chondroma?
An orthopaedic surgeon, a doctor who treats bone and joint problems, usually treats a chondroma. If your doctor is not sure the tumor is harmless, experienced surgeons, radiologists (doctors who read scans), and pathologists (doctors who study tissue samples) work together on the diagnosis. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is a chondroma?
A chondroma is a benign tumor made of cartilage. Benign means it is not cancer. Cartilage is the flexible tissue that protects the ends of bones where they meet to form joints. Chondromas are most often found in the small bones of the hands and feet, as well as the upper arm bone and the thighbone.
There are different types, based on where they form. An enchondroma begins in the cartilage found inside the bone. A periosteal chondroma grows on the surface of a bone, out of the periosteum, which is a strong membrane that covers bones. A soft tissue chondroma is not connected to bone. Enchondroma is the most common bone tumor of the hand.
Symptoms
Most enchondromas do not cause pain or other symptoms. Many are found by chance when X-rays are taken for an unrelated injury or condition.
If the tumor is in the hands or feet, or if there are many tumors, the bone can weaken and become deformed. This can lead to broken bones or enlarged fingers.
Some periosteal chondromas cause swelling and a dull, aching pain. Tumors in the fingers and toes are more likely to cause pain. Most people with a soft tissue chondroma have one lump that does not hurt.
Causes and who gets it
The exact cause of enchondromas is unknown. Some research suggests they may start when cells turn into cartilage instead of bone. Experts do not believe radiation, chemical exposure, or any specific activity causes them.
The cause of periosteal and soft tissue chondromas is also unknown. Enchondromas can occur in anyone but are most common in middle-aged people. Most periosteal chondromas occur in people younger than 30. Most enchondromas are single tumors. Rarely, many tumors appear as part of Ollier disease or Maffucci syndrome.
How doctors diagnose it
Your doctor will take a medical history and ask about your symptoms. They will ask if the tumor is painful and when the pain occurs. On X-rays, enchondromas look like small, lobe-shaped, darkened tumors in the middle of the bone. Your doctor may also order a CT scan or an MRI scan for a more complete picture of the bone around the tumor.
A biopsy may be needed to rule out a more aggressive tumor. In a biopsy, a tissue sample is taken and looked at under a microscope. It can be hard, even for experts, to tell a noncancerous enchondroma from a very low-grade cancerous tumor.
Treatment
In most cases, enchondromas do not need treatment. If a tumor causes no symptoms, your doctor may suggest watching it with regular X-rays or other tests.
When surgery is needed, curettage is the most common procedure. The surgeon scrapes the tumor out of the bone. The surgeon may then fill the space with a bone graft to help support the bone. After enchondromas are removed, most do not return.
Periosteal and soft tissue chondromas can be removed with surgery. These tumors rarely return after complete removal, and no chemotherapy or radiation is needed.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if you have a lump, swelling, or bone pain that does not go away. Pain at night or at rest is more likely to point to a cancerous tumor, so tell your doctor about it right away. Also see a doctor if a bone breaks with little injury or a finger becomes enlarged.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either can examine a lump or painful bone, review X-rays, and refer you to a bone specialist. They can also help you keep up with follow-up visits if your tumor is being watched.
Common questions
Is a chondroma cancer?
No, a chondroma is not cancer. Single enchondromas rarely become cancerous. The chance is a little higher in people with Ollier disease or Maffucci syndrome.
Does a chondroma need to be removed?
Not always. Most enchondromas do not need treatment. Surgery may be needed if multiple tumors weaken the bone and cause a fracture.
Can a chondroma come back?
It is uncommon. After enchondromas are removed, most do not return. Periosteal and soft tissue chondromas also rarely return after complete removal.
What is the difference between a chondroma and a chondrosarcoma?
A chondroma is noncancerous, and a chondrosarcoma is cancerous. When an enchondroma does become cancerous, it usually becomes a type of malignant cartilage tumor called a chondrosarcoma.
Sources
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons - OrthoInfo - Enchondroma
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons - OrthoInfo - Periosteal and Soft Tissue Chondromas
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
