Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Maffucci Syndrome - It starts in Childhood!

Maffucci syndrome is a very rare disorder with symptoms that typically start in childhood. The onset of this disorder usually appears between 1-5 years of age with 25% of cases having symptoms present right from birth or during the first year.

Even with rare conditions, it is important to be informed of symptoms to look for to best diagnose and treat the condition. There are three symptoms that characterize this disorder:

Hemangiomas – This is a nodule of extra blood vessels found on the skin. They appear bright red and can be superficial or develop deeper in the skin. They may appear as a small blue bump if formed under the skin.

Enchondromas – These are benign cartilage tumors found on the inside of a bone. They are often found in hands, feet and the long bones of the legs and arms. These tumors can weaken the surrounding bone making it susceptible to fractures.

Bone deformities – This involves unequal lengths of the long bones in arms and legs or weakened bones that have suffered breaks and did not align properly during healing.

The symptoms of Maffuci Syndrome can develop over time and each patient may have different needs. Managing this disorder will involve relieving pain from any symptoms and detecting them as early as possible. Typically treatment is only needed if the tumors are aggressive and are affecting the health of the surrounding bone tissue.

For further information about this condition or if your child has any of the symptoms described, please contact us today. You can make an appointment with Dr. Jeff Bowman at Houston Foot Specialists online or by calling (713) 467-8886.

©2013 Jeff Bowman., All Rights Reserved

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