Pronounced: KAHN-dro-sar-KO-ma
Chondrosarcoma is a type of cancer. It grows in cartilage cells in the body. Cartilage is the connective tissue. Most bones are created from cartilage. It is found in many areas of the body.
This cancer is typically found in the cartilage cells of the femur, arm, pelvis, knee, and spine. Rarely, the ribs and other areas may also be affected.
The condition is uncommon. It is the second most common type of bone cancer . It most often strikes between the ages of 50-70. Chondrosarcoma rarely strikes individuals younger than 20.
Cancer occurs when cells in the body divide without control or order. If cells keep dividing uncontrollably, a mass of tissue forms. This is called a growth or tumor. The term cancer refers to malignant tumors. They can invade nearby tissue and spread to other parts of the body.
As with all cancers, the prognosis or outcome depends upon how large the tumor is and whether it has spread to distant structures.
Certain factors seem to be common among individuals who develop chondrosarcoma, these include:
Symptoms will vary from person to person. The location and severity of the tumor will affect them. The most common symptoms of chondrosarcoma include:
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done.
Tests may include the following:
Treatment can vary based on your age, overall health, and stage of the disease. Talk with your doctor about the best plan for you. Treatment options include:
This may be used to remove the tumor.
High energy x-rays are used to target and kill cancer cells.
Drugs that kill tumor cells may be used. Chemotherapy is considered investigational in the management of chondrosarcomas.
Physical therapy may be used to help the affected area heal following surgery.
RESOURCES:
Children's Hospital Boston
http://www.childrenshospital.org/
The Mayo Clinic
http://www.mayoclinic.org/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
BC Cancer Agency
http://www.bccancer.bc.ca/default.htm
British Columbia Ministry of Health
http://bchealthguide.org/
References:
Bone disorders: chondrosarcoma. The University of Virginia Health Systems website. Available at: http://www.healthsystem.virginia.edu/uvahealth/adult_bone/chondrosar.cfm . Accessed June 26, 2007.
Chow WA. Update on chondrosarcomas. Curr. Opin. Oncol . 2007;19:371-376.
DeGroot H. Chondrosarcoma. Bonetumor.org website. Available at: http://www.bonetumor.org/tumors/pages/page39.html . Accessed June 26, 2007.
DynaMed website. Available at: http://dynamed102.ebscohost.com/Detail.aspx?id=116911 .
Hunt KJ, Randall RL. Chondrosarcoma of bone. The Liddy Shriver Sarcoma Initiative website. Available at: http://www.sarcomahelp.org/Newsletters/V03N01/Chondrosarcoma/chondrosarcoma.htm . Accessed June 26, 2007.
Lewis VO. What’s new in musculoskeletal oncology. J Bone Joint Surg Am . 2007;89:1399-1407.
Last reviewed September 2010 by Mohei Abouzied, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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