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Click a letter to see a list of conditions beginning with that letter.
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Chondrosarcoma
What is chondrosarcoma?
Chondrosarcoma is a type of bone
cancer that occurs in cartilage cells. Cartilage is the specialized, gristly connective
tissue that is present in adults. Most bones develop from this tissue. Cartilage plays
an important role in the growth process. There are many different types of cartilage
all over the body. Chondrosarcoma mainly affects the cartilage cells of the thighbone
(femur), arm, pelvis, or knee. In some cases, other areas (such as the ribs) may be
affected.
Chondrosarcoma is the second most
common type of primary bone cancer. A primary bone cancer is one that starts from bone.
This is different than a cancer that starts in another organ and then spreads to the
bone. Chondrosarcoma rarely affects people younger than age 20. The risk keeps rising
until age 75. It affects men and women equally.
What causes chondrosarcoma?
The exact cause of chondrosarcoma
is not known. There may be a genetic or chromosomal role. So certain people may be more
open to this type of cancer. Chondrosarcomas have been seen as a late consequence of
radiation therapy for other cancers.
What are the risk factors for chondrosarcoma?
In most cases, chondrosarcoma
happens from normal cartilage cells. It may also stem from a preexisting noncancer
(benign) bone or cartilage tumor. Here are some benign conditions that may be present
when chondrosarcoma happens:
-
Enchondromas. This is a type
of noncancer bone tumor that begins from cartilage and often affects the hands.
But it can also affect other areas.
-
Multiple exostoses
(osteochondromas). The presence of multiple osteochondromas. These are an
overgrowth of cartilage and bone near the end of the growth plate.
-
Ollier disease. This is a
cluster of benign cartilage tumors that often affects the hands
(enchondromas).
-
Maffucci syndrome. This is a
combination of multiple enchondromas and benign tumors made up of blood vessels
(angiomas).
What are the symptoms of chondrosarcoma?
Symptoms of chondrosarcoma may vary
depending on the location of the tumor. Symptoms may include:
-
Large mass on the affected bone
-
Feeling of pressure around the mass
-
Pain that increases slowly
over time. It is often worse at night. It may be relieved by taking
anti-inflammatory medicines such as ibuprofen. It is not often relieved by
rest.
-
Pain that is often worse at
night. This may be relieved by taking anti-inflammatory medicines such as
ibuprofen.
-
Local swelling
How is chondrosarcoma diagnosed?
Your healthcare provider will take
a full health history and give you a physical exam. You may also need some diagnostic
tests for chondrosarcoma. These may include:
-
Biopsy. Tissue samples are
removed from the body (with a needle or during surgery). Then they are checked
under a microscope. This is done to see if cancer or other abnormal cells are
present.
-
X-ray. A diagnostic test that uses invisible electromagnetic energy beams to make images of internal tissues, bones, and organs onto film.
-
CT scan. This imaging test
uses X-rays and a computer to make detailed images of the body. A CT scan shows
details of the bones, muscles, fat, and organs.
-
MRI. An imaging test that
uses a combination of large magnets, radio waves, and a computer to make detailed
images of organs and structures within the body.
-
Positron emission tomography
(PET) scan. An imaging test in which radioactive-tagged sugar (glucose) is
injected into the blood. Tissues that use the glucose more than normal tissues
(such as tumors) can be found by a scanning machine.
Treatment for chondrosarcoma
Treatment will depend on your symptoms, age, and general health. It
will also depend on how severe the condition is.
The goal for treatment of
chondrosarcoma is to remove the mass and reduce the likelihood that it will return.
Close follow-up with your healthcare provider may be needed. Treatment may include:
-
Surgery. The tumor is
removed. If the tumor is on an arm or leg, the surgeon will try to save the limb.
In some cases, amputation might be needed.
-
Physical therapy. This
treatment helps to regain strength and use of the affected area after surgery.
-
Radiation therapy. Radiation
might be given at high doses.
-
Chemotherapy. This is not the
main treatment. But it may be needed if the cancer has spread to other parts of
the body.
Online Medical Reviewer:
Lu Cunningham
Online Medical Reviewer:
Richard LoCicero MD
Date Last Reviewed:
2/1/2019
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