What Causes Chondrosarcomas?

Chondrosarcomas are a rare type of bone cancer, accounting for about 1% of all bone tumors. They are most commonly found in the hip, thigh, and shoulder bones, although they can occur in any bone. Chondrosarcomas of the sacrum, spine, and the skull base can cause serious problems and are generally treated by neurosurgeons. Among chondrosarcomas, those of the sacrum (the lower back or tailbone) are the most common.

Chondrosarcomas affect 2 to 4 per million people per year. They are more common among men. Chondrosarcomas usually occur in people over 40 years of age.

Chondrosarcomas develop from the cartilage cells present in bones. The exact cause of chondrosarcomas is not well understood, but there are certain risk factors that have been identified. One of the most significant risk factors for chondrosarcoma is age. Most cases occur in people over 40 years of age, although they can occur in people in their 20s and 30s as well.

People who have a close relative with chondrosarcoma or other bone tumors may be at an increased risk of developing the condition themselves. Genetic conditions that increase the risk of developing cartilaginous growths, such as Ollier disease and Maffucci syndrome, can also increase the risk of developing chondrosarcoma. Sometimes, benign tumors such as enchondromas can transform into malignant chondrosarcomas.

People who have been treated with radiation for other types of cancer, such as Hodgkin’s lymphoma or breast cancer, are at an increased risk of developing chondrosarcoma.

It is important to note that most people with chondrosarcoma do not have any identifiable risk factors. Moreover, if you or a family member has one or more of these risk factors, it does not mean that you will surely develop a chondrosarcoma.

As of now, there is no known way to prevent the occurrence of a chondrosarcoma. However, early detection and treatment can improve outcomes for those with the condition. This can be achieved through regular checkups and monitoring of any unusual growths or symptoms.

In some families, there may be a pattern of multiple members being diagnosed with a chondrosarcoma or other bone tumors. This suggests the presence of a genetic component to the condition. Some genes that have been known to place certain people at a higher risk of developing chondrosarcomas include EXT1, EXT2, IDH1, IDH2, and INK4A. Ollier disease, Mafucci syndrome, and multiple hereditary exostosis are also genetic conditions that increase the risk of developing a chondrosarcoma.

However, most patients with chondrosarcoma do not have a known genetic basis, and many people with the condition do not have any family history of bone tumors.

As with many types of cancer, the exact causes of chondrosarcoma are not yet fully understood, and there is no known way to completely prevent its development. However, there are some steps that you can take to reduce the risk of developing chondrosarcoma or other types of cancer. These steps include:

• Leading a healthy lifestyle: Maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, and engaging in regular physical activity can help reduce the risk of developing cancer, including chondrosarcoma.
• Avoiding exposure to harmful substances: Exposure to chemicals, such as tobacco smoke or certain industrial chemicals, can increase the risk of developing cancer. It is important to minimize exposure to these substances whenever possible.
• Getting regular checkups: Regular checkups and screenings, such as X-rays or MRI scans, can help detect cancer at an early stage when it is more treatable. If you have a family history of chondrosarcoma or other types of cancer, it is important to discuss this with your healthcare provider and determine the best screening schedule for you.
• Protecting against radiation exposure: Exposure to high levels of radiation, such as from radiation therapy or working with certain types of equipment, can increase the risk of developing cancer. It is important to protect yourself from unnecessary radiation exposure by following safety protocols and wearing protective gear when working with radiation.
• Managing other medical conditions: If you have other chronic medical conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, it is important to manage these effectively to maximize your recovery after treatment of chondrosarcoma.

It is important to note that even if you take all these steps, there is no guarantee that you will not develop chondrosarcoma or another type of cancer. However, by leading a healthy lifestyle and minimizing your exposure to harmful substances, you can reduce your risk of developing these conditions and improve your overall health. 

If you have concerns about your risk of developing chondrosarcoma or any other type of cancer, it is important to speak with a healthcare provider who can assess your individual situation and determine the best course of action.

• Chondrosarcoma usually occurs in people older than 40.
• Risk factors associated with developing a chondrosarcoma include age, family history, exposure to ionizing radiation, and some genetic conditions.
• Although there are no known definitive ways of preventing chondrosarcomas, leading a healthy lifestyle and getting regular medical checkups can help reduce your risk of developing any type of cancer.

• Sarcoma Foundation of America
• The Liddy Shriver Sarcoma Initiative
• Chondrosarcoma Foundation
• National Brain Tumor Society
• American Brain Tumor Association