We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is a Chondrosarcoma?

Mary McMahon
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 5,224
Share

A chondrosarcoma is a cancer which arises in cartilage cells. Such cancers are quite rare, and primarily seen in adults. Occasionally an adolescent will develop chondrosarcoma. This cancer usually requires a team of doctors including an oncologist and an orthopedic surgeon for treatment. Treatment tends to be more available in urban areas, as in rural areas, doctors may see this cancer rarely, if at all, and thus not be very familiar with treatment.

Chondrosarcomas happen when cartilage cells run amok. Primary tumors arise in the cartilage itself, while secondary tumors may develop from benign growths of the cartilage and bone. People with a history of such growths are therefore at risk for chondrosarcoma, and must be monitored carefully for the early signs of a malignant growth. Beyond this, there are no clear risk factors for the development of this cancer, although it may be influenced by genetics, environment, and a variety of other factors.

This cancer is commonly found around the ends of the long bones such as the femur. Patients may be able to feel a mass which indicates the location of the tumor, and they can experience intermittent pain which may last for years before the tumor is diagnosed. Diagnosis requires medical imaging studies of the area involved, along with biopsies which can be used to find out which types of cells are involved, and to stage the tumor. A pathology analysis is important because it will provide information which can shape the course of treatment.

One serious example of chondrosarcoma is undifferentiated chondrosarcoma, which is usually fatal. Other examples include mesenchymal and clear cell forms. The earlier the tumor is found, the better the prognosis for the patient, with the best treatment being complete surgical resection of the tumor. Tumors in some sites may also be treated with radiation to confirm that the entire tumor has been eradicated.

If chondrosarcoma metastasizes to other areas of the body, chemotherapy and radiation may be used in an attempt to control the spread of the cancer. Patients with chondrosarcoma which has spread may want to consult their doctors about treatment options and the prognosis. With some forms, treatment may not add that much time to the patient's life, and it may cause intense pain and suffering without any clear benefit. In other cases, chemotherapy and radiation will be unpleasant, but the patient has a better chance of recovering, making the experience more worthwhile.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Mary McMahon
By Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGeek researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a...

Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-a-chondrosarcoma.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.