Osteochondroma is best described as which of the following?

• A. Malignant bone tumor with rapid growth
• B. Benign bony projection covered with cartilage
• C. Soft tissue mass near the knee
• D. Vascular lesion of bone

Answer: (B)

Osteochondroma is a benign bony outgrowth that appears as a projection of bone with a cartilage cap. It typically arises from the metaphysis near the growth plate and is often pedunculated, growing away from the joint while remaining continuous with the underlying cortex and medullary cavity. This cartilage-capped projection distinguishes it from soft tissue masses or vascular lesions and explains why it’s usually found as a painless bump in children or adolescents, most commonly around the knee. Malignant change is rare, but suspicion increases if growth occurs after skeletal maturity or the cartilage cap thickens. So, the best description is a benign bony projection covered with cartilage.