What is chondrosarcoma? Symptoms, causes, diagnosis and treatment

Overview of Chondrosarcoma

What is chondrosarcoma?

Chondrosarcoma is a cancer that arises from cartilage tissue in the body and is classified as a type of connective tissue cancer. It is rare and can develop anywhere cartilage is found in the body.

There are several different types of chondrosarcoma:

• Conventional chondrosarcoma: The most common type, usually developing in the femur or humerus, growing slowly with low potential to spread.
• Dedifferentiated chondrosarcoma: This type progresses more rapidly than other chondrosarcomas and often develops in the arm, femur, or pelvis.
• Clear cell chondrosarcoma: Typically occurs in the arms or legs and tends to grow slowly.
• Mesenchymal chondrosarcoma: Often develops in the spine, ribs, and jawbone.

Symptoms of Chondrosarcoma

This type of cancer can occur wherever cartilage is present and may cause pain, for example:

• Pain in the arm and shoulder blade
• Leg pain
• Pelvic pain
• Rib pain
• Sternum pain

Depending on its location, symptoms may vary. Common signs include:

• Localized bone pain that may come and go, worsening at night
• Swelling or bone lumps, such as on the arms, legs, or ribs
• Fatigue
• Unintentional weight loss

It is important to remember that chondrosarcoma is rare. Many of its symptoms overlap with less serious conditions. Therefore, a lump in the leg does not necessarily mean bone cancer.

Complications of Chondrosarcoma

Complications can arise from large tumors compressing nearby structures. After treatment, chondrosarcoma can recur or metastasize to distant sites. The lungs are the most commonly affected site for metastasis.

When to See a Doctor

If you have a lump in your arm, leg, or other areas of the body that does not disappear after two weeks, or you feel persistent fatigue, consult a doctor for evaluation. A physician will perform a thorough examination to determine the cause of your symptoms.

Causes of Chondrosarcoma

Researchers do not know the exact cause but believe it is associated with genetic disorders, including:

• Li-Fraumeni syndrome: People with this condition are predisposed to tumors, including chondrosarcoma.
• Maffucci syndrome and Ollier disease: These disorders cause benign tumors in cartilage, bone, and skin.
• Hereditary multiple exostoses (osteochondromas): Benign bone growths that can disrupt bone development.

In some cases, genetic changes are not always the direct cause of chondrosarcoma.

Risk Factors for Chondrosarcoma

Chondrosarcoma is rare, affecting about 1 in 200,000 people in the U.S. Although it can occur at any age, it is more common in individuals aged 40 to 75, with most cases diagnosed around age 51.

Risk factors include:

Age: Higher risk in middle-aged to older adults.

Genetic factors: Some cases are linked to genetic mutations or inherited disorders.

Lifestyle factors: Smoking, alcohol consumption, lack of exercise, and an unbalanced diet may also play a role.

Cellular changes: Alterations in cartilage cells may contribute to cancer development.

Musculoskeletal history: Conditions such as Ollier disease may increase the risk.

Diagnosis & Treatment of Chondrosarcoma

Diagnosis

Your doctor will review your medical and family history, perform a physical exam, and may order tests such as:

• Imaging tests: X-ray, CT scan, MRI, bone scan, PET-CT.
• Biopsy: A tissue sample from the tumor will be examined under a microscope to confirm whether it is chondrosarcoma.

Treatment

Medical therapy:

Surgery is the main treatment for chondrosarcoma. Medical therapy may be used before and after surgery. If you have rare types such as dedifferentiated or mesenchymal chondrosarcoma, you may undergo chemotherapy or radiation therapy before surgery to shrink the tumor and after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells.
Physical therapy and rehabilitation are also important after surgery.

Surgical treatment:

Most cases require surgery to remove the tumor. The type of surgery depends on your condition, tumor location, and tumor grade. Surgical options include:

• Curettage: Scraping the tumor tissue out of the bone and filling the defect with bone graft material.
• Limb-sparing surgery: Removing the tumor along with nearby bone and muscle, then reconstructing to replace the lost tissue.

In some rare cases, amputation of part of an arm or leg may be necessary. If a limb is removed, a prosthetic limb will be recommended.

Lifestyle & Prevention for Chondrosarcoma

Lifestyle habits to slow disease progression:

Regular check-ups: Follow your doctor’s schedule for routine exams.

Imaging tests: Ultrasound, CT, or MRI may be used to monitor disease progress and detect recurrence.

Blood tests: Regular blood tests to check general health and watch for recurrence signs.

Monitor symptoms: Report any new symptoms immediately.

Consult specialists: Regular follow-ups with oncology specialists to ensure the best care.

Lifestyle changes: Maintain a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and avoid other risk factors to help lower the chance of recurrence.

Prevention:

There is no guaranteed way to prevent chondrosarcoma because the exact cause remains unknown. Research shows that individuals with certain genetic disorders are at higher risk. Currently, there is no way to prevent these genetic conditions.