Cartilaginous exostoses, pronounced as /kɑːrtɪlədʒɪnəs ɛkˈsɒstəsiːz/, are benign bone tumors that grow on the surface of bones. These growths are made up of cartilage and bone and can occur in any location where bone forms in the body. Despite its difficult spelling, the word "cartilaginous exostoses" follows the typical English spelling system, where "cartilaginous" is spelled as it sounds, while "exostoses" is derived from the Greek word "exo", meaning "outside", and "osteon", meaning "bone".
Cartilaginous exostoses, also known as osteochondromas, are benign bone tumors that commonly develop during childhood or adolescence. They are characterized by the overgrowth of cartilage near the growth plates of long bones, typically on the surface of the bone or within the metaphysis. These exostoses are often found in areas such as the knee, forearm, upper arm, and pelvis.
The exact cause of cartilaginous exostoses is still unknown, but it is believed to be linked to genetic mutations that result in abnormal bone growth. In most cases, these growths are solitary and do not cause any symptoms or complications. However, when multiple exostoses are present or they grow to a large size, they can lead to pain, limited joint motion, nerve compression, or cosmetic deformity.
Diagnosis of cartilaginous exostoses typically involves clinical evaluation, X-rays, and sometimes advanced imaging techniques such as computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). These tests help determine the size, location, and nature of the growth, as well as any potential complications.
Treatment for cartilaginous exostoses ranges from monitoring the growth for any changes or potential complications in mild cases, to surgical removal when symptoms or a risk of malignant transformation are present. Surgery involves complete excision of the mass and careful evaluation to ensure there is no recurrence or damage to adjacent structures.
Overall, cartilaginous exostoses are benign bone tumors that often develop in childhood or adolescence and typically cause no symptoms. However, they may require monitoring or surgical intervention depending on their size, location, and potential complications.
The word "cartilaginous exostoses" is composed of two terms: "cartilaginous" and "exostoses".
The term "cartilaginous" is derived from the Latin word "cartilago", meaning "gristle" or "cartilage", and the suffix "-ous", which means "full of" or "pertaining to". In medical terminology, "cartilaginous" refers to anything related to or characterized by cartilage.
The term "exostoses" comes from the Greek words "exo", meaning "out", and "osteon", meaning "bone". is used in medicine to describe small, benign, bony growths that protrude outward from the surface of a bone, usually covered by a layer of cartilage.
Therefore, "cartilaginous exostoses" refers to the condition or state of having bony protrusions covered by cartilage.