If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with chondrosarcoma, you may have questions about every aspect regarding care, from treatment and beyond. At the OSUCCC – James, we know that when it comes to rare cancers like sarcomas, it’s important to choose a team of committed experts who provide the highest standards of care. As the leading provider of sarcoma treatment in central Ohio, the OSUCCC – James leads with cutting-edge research and treats more chondrosarcoma cases than any other facility.
What is chondrosarcoma?
Chondrosarcoma is a type of bone cancer. It is a rare, slow-growing type of sarcoma tumor that begins in your cartilage. Cartilage is an important connective tissue that is strong and flexible. This tissue’s main function is to cushion joints (like your knees) and help protect your bones. Chondrosarcomas most often occur in the pelvis, arms or legs, but can also occur in the shoulders, ribs or skull base. While rare, it is the second most commonly occurring bone cancer diagnosis after osteosarcoma.
There are further subtypes of chondrosarcoma that include:
- Conventional chondrosarcoma
- Dedifferentiated chondrosarcoma
- Myxoid chondrosarcoma
- Clear cell chondrosarcoma
- Mesenchymal chondrosarcoma
While most chondrosarcomas are slow growing, there are some rare subtypes that may be more aggressive.
Chondrosarcoma symptoms
Due to the slow-growing nature of chondrosarcomas, you may not experience any symptoms. If you do, symptoms may be mild. Overall, the exact location of the tumor could also determine what type of symptoms, if any, you may experience.
- A lump or bump on your body that doesn’t go away, especially around the pelvis, arms or legs
- Swelling in the joints
- Feeling of pressure or pain
- Limited movement, stiffness or weakness in or around a joint
- Headaches
- Numbness and tingling across the face
- Weakness in the face or tongue
- Difficulty with speech
- Vision changes
If you notice any unusual symptoms, it’s important to talk to your doctor.
Chondrosarcoma causes and risk factors
Currently, there is no known cause for chondrosarcoma.
There are some risk factors that can increase your chance of developing this cancer. Risk factors are anything that can increase the likelihood that you develop something like chondrosarcoma. Risk factors may be things you can impact or may be things you cannot change.
Risk factors you can impact
Most chondrosarcomas cannot be prevented. There are some studies that show obesity may contribute to increased rates of bone cancers.
Therefore, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is critical to reduce your risk of developing several cancers, including chondrosarcoma.
This includes:
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Regular vigorous exercise
- Eating a balanced diet and minimizing processed foods
- Avoiding tobacco products, and not smoking or quitting if you currently do
- Having regular preventive checkups with your doctor
Risk factors you can’t change
There are some risk factors that you can’t change. Some of the most common chondrosarcoma risk factors you can’t change include:
- Age: Chondrosarcoma is more commonly diagnosed if you are over 40 years of age. The risk increases with age.
- Genetic predisposition: If you are born with specific genetic traits, you may be more likely to develop chondrosarcoma. These include hereditary multiple osteochondroma (multiple exostoses) and Li-Fraumeni syndrome.
- Existing medical conditions: This includes previous diagnoses of enchondromas, Ollier disease and Maffucci syndrome.
- Previous medical treatments: If you have been previously treated with radiation or chemotherapy, this can increase the likelihood you could develop chondrosarcoma.
If you have a risk factor, it does not mean you will develop chondrosarcoma. It’s important to see your doctor if you have specific concerns about your risk.
How is chondrosarcoma diagnosed?
Following a physical exam and medical history, your doctor will likely recommend imaging such as MRI, CT scan, PET scan or X-ray to view tissues, bones and organs. Your doctor may then recommend a biopsy to analyze the tumor.
Because your cancer diagnosis is unique to you, sarcoma experts at the OSUCCC – James will select the imaging and tests specific for your individual case.
Chondrosarcoma treatment
The OSUCCC – James is home to central Ohio’s only Sarcoma Clinic. Our team of experts apply a multidisciplinary approach to treating sarcomas like chondrosarcoma. From our cutting-edge research to groundbreaking treatments, our team will work with you to determine the best approach for your chondrosarcoma care.
Chondrosarcoma treatment is challenging because these tumors often develop very close to parts of the body, such as bones, blood vessels and arteries, making complete removal difficult. In most cases, ideal treatment hinges on removing as much of the tumor via surgery as safely as possible, followed by radiation to eliminate any cancerous cells that might remain. Chemotherapy usually is not considered an effective treatment.
Chondrosarcoma can be classified as low, intermediate or high grade. The grade is diagnosed based on the appearance of the cells under the microscope, and, in general, relates to how aggressive the tumor might behave.
Surgery
Regardless of grade, research has shown that maximal safe surgical removal of all or part of the tumor is most important. Having an experienced surgical team is critical to providing you the best possible outcomes. The surgery recommended for your chondrosarcoma will be completely dependent on a variety of factors, including tumor size, location and stage.
You may receive one treatment or a combination of surgical treatments, including:- Cryosurgery
- Localized excision or resection of the tumor
- Joint replacement, including oncologic total knee replacement (distal femoral/proximal tibia replacement)
- Amputation in more aggressive advanced cases using targeted muscle reinnervation (TMR) and metal implants to replace lost limbs (osseointegration)
In cases of skull-base chondrosarcomas, surgeries may include:
- Endoscopic endonasal surgery
- Open craniotomy plus radiation
Radiation
Radiation therapy may be used to treat areas of your body that aren’t optimal for surgery or when the cancer can’t be fully removed during surgery.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy isn’t typically used to treat chondrosarcoma. However, your doctor may recommend this treatment if your cancer is deemed a more aggressive form or has spread to other parts of your body.
If you’ve been diagnosed with a skull-base tumor, would like a second opinion or would like to speak with a head and neck oncology specialist, please call The James Line at 800-293-5066 or 614-293-5066 to make an appointment.
Additional Resources
Types of SarcomaBone and Spine Sarcoma
Prevention
Screening and Diagnosis
Clinical Trials