Chondrosarcoma is a rare type of sarcoma that develops in the bones and soft tissues of the body. Most cases of chondrosarcoma begin in the bones, while a smaller number develop in the soft tissues away from the bones. This sarcoma is most often found to affect middle-aged and older adults.
Key points:
- Chondrosarcoma is a type of tumor that forms in the bones or soft tissue.
- Signs and symptoms of chondrosarcoma include redness and swelling at the site of the tumor, as well as limping or decreased use of the affected limb.
- Diagnosis of chondrosarcoma can come from a number of tests such as x-rays, MRI, and CT scans, as well as biopsy. Read more on these tests below.
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Chondrosarcoma diagnosis
To properly diagnose chondrosarcoma, your doctor may have you take one or more of the following tests:
- Imaging Test. An X-ray image is recommended to examine a lump in question, and may be followed by an X-ray of your chest to check if the chondrosarcoma has spread to your lungs. These tests may reveal abnormalities that your healthcare providers are searching for.
- Computer Tomography (CT) Scan. CT scans are X-ray images most useful for detecting if a chondrosarcoma has formed in the chest, abdomen, or the retroperitoneum.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Scan. An MRI scan uses radio waves and strong magnets instead of X-rays to take pictures of the body. A computer translates the patterns into a very detailed image of parts of the body in question. MRI scans take longer than CT scans – usually around an hour.
- Biopsy Tissue Sample. A biopsy removes tissue or cells to be checked by a pathologist under a microscope. Results from a biopsy help determine if abnormal cells are cancer. Your doctor may perform this procedure in a variety of ways including fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy and core needle biopsy. Ask your provider about your specific type of biopsy to learn more.
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Treatment
Once chondrosarcoma has been diagnosed, you have options for treatment including:
- Surgery. This is the most common treatment for chondrosarcoma. If the chondrosarcoma is located in a limb, a procedure will be done to attempt removing the sarcoma without the limb. In some cases, amputation may be necessary.
- Radiation Therapy. It is common for patients to use radiation therapy to kill any remaining cancer cells following a surgery.
- Chemotherapy. This treatment is less common for treating chondrosarcoma, but it may be used if the bone cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
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Prognosis factors
The factors that affect prognosis, or chance of recovery, are different before and after treatment.
Before treatment, prognosis can depend on factors such as:
- Whether tumor has spread to lymph nodes.
- Where in the body the tumor started.
- Whether the tumor formed in the bone or in soft tissue.
- How large the tumor is when diagnosed.
After treatment, prognosis can depend on factors such as:
- Whether the tumor was completely removed by surgery.
- Whether the tumor responds to radiation therapy or chemotherapy.
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Learn more
For more information on the diagnosis, treatment and more of sarcoma, visit our sarcoma information pages below.