Chondrosarcoma

Origin and causes

Chondrosarcoma is a type of sarcoma that affects bones and joints. It accounts for about 20% of all bone sarcomas. Patients diagnosed with chondrosarcoma typically have an age range of 20 to 60 years old, with a higher frequency in men. This cancer is most commonly found in the bones of the arms, legs, and pelvis but can occur anywhere in the body that contains cartilage. It can appear in a healthy bone or a bone with an enchondroma.

 

Several subtypes of chondrosarcoma exist, including conventional chondrosarcoma, clear cell chondrosarcoma, myxoid chondrosarcoma, mesenchymal chondrosarcoma, and dedifferentiated chondrosarcoma. The cause of most of these cancers is not known. However, some patients may be predisposed to it due to genetic syndromes such as Ollier disease, Mafucci syndrome, hereditary multiple exostoses, Wilms tumors, and Paget's disease. The majority of chondrosarcomas are low-grade, meaning they progress slowly.

 

Symptoms and Signs

The majority of patients will experience pain, swelling, or limited movement of the affected limb. Sometimes, a mass can be felt. Rarely, this cancer can metastasize to the lungs.

 

Diagnosis

Bone cancer is often suspected after a radiograph. However, additional tests such as CT scan, MRI, and bone scintigraphy are needed to differentiate between a benign tumor and a bone sarcoma. A biopsy is often needed to make a diagnosis.

 

Treatment

The treatment of choice is surgery. For some low-grade chondrosarcomas, a curettage of the tumor may be sufficient. For others, more extensive surgeries are considered. Chemotherapy or radiotherapy is rarely necessary.

Follow-up

After surgery, follow-up is necessary to monitor for recurrence. The majority of chondrosarcomas have an excellent prognosis.