Skip to main content
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
National Institutes of Health
NCATS

COVID-19 is an emerging, rapidly evolving situation.

Get the latest public health information from CDC: https://www.coronavirus.gov (link is external)
Get the latest research information from NIH: https://covid19.nih.gov (link is external)

National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center, a program of the National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center, a program of the National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences
1-888-205-2311
Menu Search
1-888-205-2311
Menu
  • Home
  • Diseases expand submenu for Diseases
    • Browse A-Z
    • Find Diseases By Category expand submenu for Find Diseases By Category
      • Autoimmune / Autoinflammatory diseases
      • Bacterial infections
      • Behavioral and mental disorders
      • Blood Diseases
      • Chromosome Disorders
      • Congenital and Genetic Diseases
      • Connective tissue diseases
      • Digestive Diseases
      • Ear, Nose, and Throat Diseases
      • Endocrine Diseases
      • Environmental Diseases
      • Eye diseases
      • Female Reproductive Diseases
      • Fungal infections
      • Heart Diseases
      • Hereditary Cancer Syndromes
      • Immune System Diseases
      • Kidney and Urinary Diseases
      • Lung Diseases
      • Male Reproductive Diseases
      • Metabolic disorders
      • Mouth Diseases
      • Musculoskeletal Diseases
      • Myelodysplastic Syndromes
      • Nervous System Diseases
      • Newborn Screening
      • Nutritional diseases
      • Parasitic diseases
      • Rare Cancers
      • RDCRN
      • Skin Diseases
      • Viral infections
    • List of FDA Orphan Drugs
    • GARD Information Navigator
    • FAQs About Rare Diseases
  • Guides expand submenu for Guides
    • Patients, Families and Friends expand submenu for Patients, Families and Friends
      • How to Find a Disease Specialist
      • Tips for the Undiagnosed
      • Support for Patients and Families
      • Tips for Finding Financial Aid
      • Help with Travel Costs
      • How to Get Involved in Research
      • FAQs About Chromosome Disorders
      • Medical and Science Glossaries
    • Healthcare Professionals expand submenu for Healthcare Professionals
      • Caring for Your Patient with a Rare Disease
      • ICD Coding for Rare Diseases
      • FindZebra Diagnosis Assist Tool
    • Researchers expand submenu for Researchers
      • Finding Funding Opportunities
    • Teachers and Students expand submenu for Teachers and Students
      • Teaching Resources
  • News expand submenu for News
    • In The Spotlight
    • News Archive
    • Connect with GARD
    • Media Requests
  • About GARD expand submenu for About GARD
    • Contact GARD
    • About GARD
    • Videos
    • Brochures and Publications
  • En Español expand submenu for En Español
    • Enfermedades
    • Contacte GARD
    • Guías de Información expand submenu for Guías de Información
      • Preguntas Más Frecuentes Sobre Enfermedades Raras
      • Como Encontrar un Especialista en su Enfermedad
      • Consejos Para una Condición no Diagnosticada
      • Consejos Para Pacientes y Familias
      • Consejos Para Obtener Ayuda Financiera Para Una Enfermedad
      • Participe en Estudios de Investigación
      • Preguntas Más Frecuentes Sobre los Trastornos Cromosómicos
    • Sobre GARD
  • Home
© Positive Exposure
banner showing people with disabilities and/or their relatives
  1. Home
  2. Diseases
  3. Metachondromatosis
print
  • Table of Contents expand submenu for Table of Contents
    • Summary
    • Symptoms
    • Diagnosis
    • Find a Specialist
    • Related Diseases
    • Organizations
    • Learn More
    • GARD Answers
    • References
  • Browse A-Z
  • Find Diseases By Category expand submenu for Find Diseases By Category
    • Autoimmune / Autoinflammatory diseases
    • Bacterial infections
    • Behavioral and mental disorders
    • Blood Diseases
    • Chromosome Disorders
    • Congenital and Genetic Diseases
    • Connective tissue diseases
    • Digestive Diseases
    • Ear, Nose, and Throat Diseases
    • Endocrine Diseases
    • Environmental Diseases
    • Eye diseases
    • Female Reproductive Diseases
    • Fungal infections
    • Heart Diseases
    • Hereditary Cancer Syndromes
    • Immune System Diseases
    • Kidney and Urinary Diseases
    • Lung Diseases
    • Male Reproductive Diseases
    • Metabolic disorders
    • Mouth Diseases
    • Musculoskeletal Diseases
    • Myelodysplastic Syndromes
    • Nervous System Diseases
    • Newborn Screening
    • Nutritional diseases
    • Parasitic diseases
    • Rare Cancers
    • RDCRN
    • Skin Diseases
    • Viral infections
  • List of FDA Orphan Drugs
  • GARD Information Navigator
  • FAQs About Rare Diseases
You can help advance
rare disease research!
You can help advance rare disease research!
toolbox
Find out how with the NCATS Toolkit.

Metachondromatosis


Información en español Title




Other Names:
METCDS
Categories:
Congenital and Genetic Diseases; Musculoskeletal Diseases

Summary Summary


Listen
Metachondromatosis (MC) is a rare bone disorder characterized by the presence of both multiple enchondromas and osteochondroma-like lesions. The first signs occur during the first decade of life. Osteochondromas most commonly occur in the hands and feet (predominantly in digits and toes), and enchondromas involve the iliac crests and metaphyses of long bones. The lesions typically spontaneously decrease in size or regress. Nerve paralysis or vascular complications may occur in some cases. The condition has been linked to mutations in the PTPN11 gene in several families and is inherited in an autosomal dominant manner. Treatment may include surgery to remove osteochondromas in severe cases.[1][8171]
Last updated: 10/9/2012

Symptoms Symptoms


Listen
Metachondromatosis (MC) is characterized by the presence of both multiple enchondromas and osteochondromas. The features of the condition generally become apparent in the first decade of life.[1]

Enchondromas are benign (noncancerous) tumors that appear on the inside of the bone.[2] Those that are associated MC typically involve the iliac crests (part of the pelvis) and metaphyses of long bones, particularly the proximal femur (portion of the thigh bone closer to the trunk).[1][3] These tumors are usually painless, but when they appear in the hands or feet, or in multiple lesions (as is typical in MC), they can deform the bone.[2]

Osteochondromas are also benign tumors. These form on the surface of the bone near the growth plates (areas of developing cartilage tissue near the ends of long bones in children) and are made up of both bone and cartilage. Osteochondromas may grow as the affected child grows, and stop growing when the child reaches skeletal maturity.[4] They have a tendency to regress or disappear after the first or second decade of life.[3] Those that are associated with MC most frequently occur in the small bones of the hands and feet, predominantly in digits and toes.[1][3] The characteristic location and orientation of these in individuals with MC (as well as lack of bone shortening and short stature) are what generally differentiate MC from hereditary multiple osteochondromas (HMO), a disorder with overlapping features.[3] The osteochondromas of MC point toward the joint to which they are adjacent (whereas those of HMO point away).[3] Osteochondromas often cause painless bumps, but pain or other discomfort may occur if the tumors put pressure on soft tissues, nerves, or blood vessels.[4]
Last updated: 10/9/2012

This table lists symptoms that people with this disease may have. For most diseases, symptoms will vary from person to person. People with the same disease may not have all the symptoms listed. This information comes from a database called the Human Phenotype Ontology (HPO) . The HPO collects information on symptoms that have been described in medical resources. The HPO is updated regularly. Use the HPO ID to access more in-depth information about a symptom.

Showing of 11 |
Medical Terms Other Names
Learn More:
HPO ID
80%-99% of people have these symptoms
Abnormality of epiphysis morphology
Abnormal shape of end part of bone
0005930
Abnormality of the metaphysis
Abnormality of the wide portion of a long bone
0000944
Avascular necrosis
Death of bone due to decreased blood supply
0010885
Bone pain 0002653
Cranial nerve paralysis 0006824
Exostoses
Formation of new noncancerous bone on top of existing bone
0100777
Multiple enchondromatosis 0005701
Percent of people who have these symptoms is not available through HPO
Abnormal joint morphology
Abnormal shape of joints
Abnormality of the joints
Anomaly of the joints
[ more ]
0001367
Autosomal dominant inheritance 0000006
Bowing of the long bones
Bowed long bones
Bowing of long bones
[ more ]
0006487
Multiple digital exostoses 0005655
Showing of 11 |
Do you have more information about symptoms of this disease? We want to hear from you.
Last updated: 2/1/2021
Do you have updated information on this disease? We want to hear from you.

Diagnosis Diagnosis


Listen

Making a diagnosis for a genetic or rare disease can often be challenging. Healthcare professionals typically look at a person’s medical history, symptoms, physical exam, and laboratory test results in order to make a diagnosis. The following resources provide information relating to diagnosis and testing for this condition. If you have questions about getting a diagnosis, you should contact a healthcare professional.

Testing Resources

  • The Genetic Testing Registry (GTR) provides information about the genetic tests for this condition. The intended audience for the GTR is health care providers and researchers. Patients and consumers with specific questions about a genetic test should contact a health care provider or a genetics professional.

Find a Specialist Find a Specialist


Listen

If you need medical advice, you can look for doctors or other healthcare professionals who have experience with this disease. You may find these specialists through advocacy organizations, clinical trials, or articles published in medical journals. You may also want to contact a university or tertiary medical center in your area, because these centers tend to see more complex cases and have the latest technology and treatments.

If you can’t find a specialist in your local area, try contacting national or international specialists. They may be able to refer you to someone they know through conferences or research efforts. Some specialists may be willing to consult with you or your local doctors over the phone or by email if you can't travel to them for care.

You can find more tips in our guide, How to Find a Disease Specialist. We also encourage you to explore the rest of this page to find resources that can help you find specialists.

Healthcare Resources

  • To find a medical professional who specializes in genetics, you can ask your doctor for a referral or you can search for one yourself. Online directories are provided by the American College of Medical Genetics and the National Society of Genetic Counselors. If you need additional help, contact a GARD Information Specialist. You can also learn more about genetic consultations from MedlinePlus Genetics.

Related Diseases Related Diseases


Listen

Related diseases are conditions that have similar signs and symptoms. A health care provider may consider these conditions in the table below when making a diagnosis. Please note that the table may not include all the possible conditions related to this disease.

Conditions with similar signs and symptoms from Orphanet
The differential diagnosis should include hereditary multiple osteochondromas (MO; see this term) in which the long bones are predominantly affected and the lesions point away from the joint/growth plate and may result in shortening or deformity of the affected bones. Other diseases to be considered include the non-hereditary conditions Ollier disease and Maffucci syndrome (in which multiple enchondromas are found in the medulla of the bone and are predominantly unilateral), and dysplasia epiphysealis hemimelica (DEH; characterized by a cartilaginous overgrowth mainly located in the lower extremities on one side of the body) (see these terms).
Visit the Orphanet disease page for more information.

Organizations Organizations


Listen

Support and advocacy groups can help you connect with other patients and families, and they can provide valuable services. Many develop patient-centered information and are the driving force behind research for better treatments and possible cures. They can direct you to research, resources, and services. Many organizations also have experts who serve as medical advisors or provide lists of doctors/clinics. Visit the group’s website or contact them to learn about the services they offer. Inclusion on this list is not an endorsement by GARD.

Organizations Supporting this Disease

  • MHE and Me- A Support Group for Kids with Multiple Hereditary Exostoses
    PO Box 651
    Pine Island, NY 10969-0651
    Telephone: 845-258-6058
    E-mail: mheandme@yahoo.com
    Website: http://www.mheandme.com/
Do you know of an organization? We want to hear from you.

Learn More Learn More


Listen

These resources provide more information about this condition or associated symptoms. The in-depth resources contain medical and scientific language that may be hard to understand. You may want to review these resources with a medical professional.

In-Depth Information

  • The Monarch Initiative brings together data about this condition from humans and other species to help physicians and biomedical researchers. Monarch’s tools are designed to make it easier to compare the signs and symptoms (phenotypes) of different diseases and discover common features. This initiative is a collaboration between several academic institutions across the world and is funded by the National Institutes of Health. Visit the website to explore the biology of this condition.
  • Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM) is a catalog of human genes and genetic disorders. Each entry has a summary of related medical articles. It is meant for health care professionals and researchers. OMIM is maintained by Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. 
  • Orphanet is a European reference portal for information on rare diseases and orphan drugs. Access to this database is free of charge.
  • PubMed is a searchable database of medical literature and lists journal articles that discuss Metachondromatosis. Click on the link to view a sample search on this topic.

Selected Full-Text Journal Articles

  • Sobreira NLM, Cirulli ET, Avramopoulos D, Wohler E, Oswald GL, et al., 2010, Whole-Genome Sequencing of a Single Proband Together with Linkage Analysis Identifies a Mendelian Disease Gene, PLoS Genet 6(6): e1000991.

GARD Answers GARD Answers


Listen

Questions sent to GARD may be posted here if the information could be helpful to others. We remove all identifying information when posting a question to protect your privacy. If you do not want your question posted, please let us know. Submit a new question

  • My daughter, 5 yrs old, has three lumps on her right shin that have not gone away. I am starting to look up what this might be and am scheduled for an ultrasound and x-ray for her soon. I was researching metachondromatosis - is this something that when felt is attached to the bone itself, is it bone, or is it a lump that can be moved around? See answer


Have a question? Contact a GARD Information Specialist.

References References


  1. Judith Bovee and Christianne Reijnders. Metachondromatosis. Orphanet. May 2011; http://www.orpha.net/consor/cgi-bin/OC_Exp.php?lng=EN&Expert=2499. Accessed 10/8/2012.
  2. Enchondroma. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. June 2010; http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00085. Accessed 10/8/2012.
  3. Vining NC et al. EXT2-positive multiple hereditary osteochondromas with some features suggestive of metachondromatosis. Skeletal Radiol. May 2012; 41(5):607-610.
  4. Osteochondroma. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. May 2012; http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00079. Accessed 10/8/2012.
Do you know of a review article? We want to hear from you.
You can help advance
rare disease research!
You can help advance rare disease research!
toolbox
Find out how with the NCATS Toolkit.

Share this content:

Share this content:

twitter-icon facebook-icon contact-icon link-icons

Copy Link

Link copied to your clipboard.

printer-icon

You May Be Interested In

How to Find a Disease Specialist

How to Find a Disease Specialist

Tips for the Undiagnosed

Tips for the Undiagnosed

Support for Patients and Families

Support for Patients and Families

Tips for Finding Financial Aid

Tips for Finding Financial Aid

Help with Travel Costs

Help with Travel Costs

How to Get Involved in Research

How to Get Involved in Research

FAQs About Chromosome Disorders

FAQs About Chromosome Disorders

Medical and Science Glossaries

Medical and Science Glossaries

Caring for Your Patient with a Rare Disease

Caring for Your Patient with a Rare Disease

ICD Coding for Rare Diseases

ICD Coding for Rare Diseases

FindZebra Diagnosis Assist Tool

FindZebra Diagnosis Assist Tool

Finding Funding Opportunities

Finding Funding Opportunities

Teaching Resources

Teaching Resources

placeholder for the horizontal scroll slider Back to top
GARD Home NCATS Home Site Map Browse Glossary A-Z Privacy Notice Disclaimer Accessibility FOIA OIG

If you have problems viewing PDF files, download the latest version of Adobe Reader

For language access assistance, contact the NCATS Public Information Officer

Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD) - PO Box 8126, Gaithersburg, MD 20898-8126 - Toll-free: 1-888-205-2311

contact gard Office of Rare Disease Research Facebook Page Office of Rare Disease Research on Twitter
Listen