Definition

A rare disorder that causes benign (not cancer) growths of cartilage in the bones that may become cancer. These growths, called enchondromas, usually occur in the bones of the hands and feet, but they may also occur in the skull, ribs, and spine. They may cause bones to break, to be deformed, or to be shorter than usual. People with enchondromatosis have an increased risk of developing certain types of cancer, including chondrosarcoma (cancer that forms in bone cartilage) and cancers of the ovary or liver. Enchondromatosis is most common in children and young adults. Also called Ollier disease.