Definition

Chondrosarcoma is a type of cancer. It grows in cartilage cells in the body. Cartilage is connective tissue.

This cancer is most common in the thigh, arm, ribs, or pelvis.

Cartilage Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Causes

Cancer is when cells in the body split without control or order. These cells go on to form a growth or tumor. The term cancer refers to harmful growths. These growths attack nearby tissues. They also spread to other parts of the body. It’s not clear exactly what causes these problems. It’s likely a mix of genes and the environment.

Risk Factors

Chondrosarcoma is more common in adults after aged 20-60 years old. Your chances are also higher for:

• Enchondroma—harmless bone tumors mainly found in the hands
• Osteochondroma —too much cartilage or bone is found at the end of a growth plate
• Ollier disease—causes a group of enchondromas
• Maffucci syndrome—many endochondromas and other types of tumors

Symptoms

Chondrosarcoma may cause:

• Large mass on a bone
• Pressure around the mass
• Pain that:
  • Worsens at night
  • Doesn’t get better with rest
  • Slowly worsens over time and may last for years

Diagnosis

You will be asked about your symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done. You may also need:

• Blood tests
• Biopsy —samples are taken and looked at in a lab
• Imaging tests such as:
  • X-rays
  • CT scan
  • MRI scan
  • PET scan

The tests will find the grade of the cancer. Chondrosarcoma is graded from 1-4. Grade 1 is a local cancer. Grade 4 shows it has spread to other sites in the body.

Treatment

Chondrosarcoma is treated with surgery. The tumor is removed with a border of healthy tissue around it. In some cases, amputation may be needed.

Chemotherapy and radiation therapy may be used if cancer has come back or spread to other sites.

Prevention

There is no way to prevent chondrosarcoma since the cause is unknown.