What is the most common benign bone tumor of the hand? Where else may these lesions occur, and what are the features of malignant transformation?
An enchondroma is the most common benign bone tumor of the hand. Small, peripheral enchondromas of the hand are usually well-defined lytic lesions that are typically benign, but may be detected as a result of pathologic fracture.
Solitary enchondromas can also occur in the long bones, and are usually oval in shape with central calcifications. Features suggestive of malignant degeneration include an enlarging painful lesion with progressive destruction of the chondroid matrix and presence of an expansile soft tissue mass.