Pronounced: KAHN-dro-sar-KO-ma
by Diana Kohnle
En Espaol (Spanish Version) Chondrosarcoma is a type of cancer that grows in cartilage cells in the body. Cartilage is the connective tissue from which most bones are created and is found in many areas of the body.
Chondrosarcoma is a malignant tumor that 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 uncommonthe second most common type of bone cancer that starts in bones rather than other organs (also called primary bone cancer). Chondrosarcoma most often strikes between the ages of 50-70, and rarely strikes individuals younger than 20. Males and females are at equal risk of developing chondrosarcoma.
As with all cancers, the prognosis or outcome depends upon how large the tumor is and whether it has spread to distant structures.
2008 Nucleus Medical Art, Inc.
The cause of chondrosarcoma is unknown. It is thought that certain individuals may develop the cancer due to a chromosomal or genetic factor.
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition. Chondrosarcomas often occur in healthy cartilage cells found in healthy individuals. However, there are certain factors that seem to be common among individuals who develop chondrosarcoma. The following factors may increase your chance of developing this condition:
Enchondromaa benign bone tumor often found in the handsOsteochondromaexcess cartilage or bone found at the end of a growth plate Multiple osteochondromas (bone tumors)Ollier's disease, which causes a group of enchondromasMaffucci's syndrome, which causes a combination of multiple endochondromas and various tumors Symptoms Symptoms of chondrosarcoma vary based on the location and severity of the tumor and will vary from person to person. The most common symptoms of chondrosarcoma include: Large lump or mass on a bonePressure surrounding the massPain that worsens at nightPain that responds to anti-inflammatory pain relieversPain that does not improve with restPain that gradually worsens over time and may last for years DiagnosisYour doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. Tests may include the following: Biopsyremoval of a sample of tissue to check for a tumor (to diagnose a malignancy) X-raya test that uses radiation to take images of tissues, bones, and cartilage CT scana type of x-ray that uses a computer to make pictures of internal organs, bones, and cartilage MRI scana test that uses magnetic waves to make pictures of internal organs, bones, and cartilage PET scana test to evaluate the metabolic activity of tissues.Blood teststo determine abnormalities in the blood TreatmentBecause treatment can vary based on your age, overall health, and stage of the disease, you should talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Treatment options include:
SurgerySurgery may be used to remove the tumor. Radiation TherapyHigh energy x-rays are used to target and kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy Drugs that kill tumor cells may be used. Chemotherapy is considered investigational in the management of chondrosarcomas. Physical TherapyPhysical therapy may be used to help the affected area heal following surgery. PreventionBecause the cause of chondrosarcoma is not fully understood, there are no known preventive measures that can help reduce the risk of developing the condition. RESOURCES: Children's Hospital Bostonhttp://www.childrenshospital.org/ The Mayo Clinichttp://www.mayoclinic.org/ CANADIAN RESOURCES: BC Cancer Agencyhttp://www.bccancer.bc.ca/default.htm British Columbia Ministry of Healthhttp://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. Whats new in musculoskeletal oncology. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2007;89:1399-1407. Last reviewed April 2008 by Rimas Lukas, MDPlease 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.
