Dr. Francisco Bengoa
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Soft-tissue tumors

Synovial chondromatosis

Soft tissueIntermediate / locally aggressive or rarely metastasizingChondrogenic tumours

Epidemiology

An uncommon cartilaginous neoplasm of the joint lining (synovium), typically seen in adults and usually affecting a single joint. The loose bodies can cause mechanical locking, so the joint symptom matters as much as the size of the lesion.

Basic features

It forms cartilage nodules or loose bodies that cause pain, joint swelling (effusion), locking, grinding, or loss of movement.

Usual treatment

Management combines removal of the loose bodies and removal of the joint lining (synovectomy), depending on the extent, symptoms, and any associated joint damage.

Outcomes and prognosis

It can recur and damage the joint if it persists; malignant transformation into chondrosarcoma is very rare.

Warning signs

These signs do not necessarily mean cancer, but they warrant evaluation before operating on or needling a mass.

  • A soft-tissue mass that grows, is larger than 5 cm, or is deep.
  • Persistent, night-time or progressive bone pain, especially if it limits activity.
  • A fracture from minimal trauma, or an aggressive bone lesion on an X-ray.
  • A lump that comes back after previous surgery.
  • Neurological symptoms, rapid swelling, or pain associated with a mass.

This information is general and does not replace a medical evaluation. A musculoskeletal tumor must be interpreted together with imaging, physical examination, biopsy when appropriate and each patient's context.

Specialist evaluation

If you have a mass, a bone lesion or a report suggesting a tumor, book an evaluation.

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