Common Symptoms Caused by Chondrosarcomas of the Brain and Spine

Chondrosarcoma is a type of bone cancer that typically occurs in the bones of the limbs and pelvis. However, it can also occur in the bones of the skull and spine. Chondrosarcoma of the brain and spine is a rare form of the disease that starts in the cartilage cells of the bones.

Chondrosarcomas located at the skull base may cause one or more of the following symptoms:

• Headaches
• Loss of vision or double vision
• Vertigo
• Hearing loss
• Numbness
• Facial pain
• Difficulty swallowing

Chondrosarcomas located at the base of the spine may cause other symptoms, including:

• Low back pain
• Changes in bowel habits
• Loss of bladder or bowel control
• Impotence in men
• Numbness in the lower back or extremities
• Difficulty walking or standing

These symptoms may also be caused by other conditions, and a proper diagnosis can be made only through medical examination and imaging tests. During the evaluation, your doctor may perform a physical examination, review your medical history, and order imaging tests such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scans.

If necessary, a biopsy may be performed to confirm the diagnosis. It is also important to inform your doctor if you have a family history of bone cancer because this may increase your risk of developing chondrosarcoma. If you have any concerns or symptoms that may be caused by a brain or spinal tumor, do not hesitate to talk to your doctor.

Chondrosarcoma can cause pain and stiffness in the affected area. Pain from chondrosarcoma may feel dull, achy, or tingly and may be worse at night or with activity. The affected joint may also be stiff and difficult to move. As the tumor grows, it can compress or invade nearby nerves or blood vessels, causing loss of function or swelling in the affected limb or other parts of the body.

Depending on the size and location of your tumor, chondrosarcoma of the brain or spine can cause a variety of signs and symptoms, including:

• Headaches: The tumor may cause pressure on the brain, leading to headaches that may be severe or persistent.

• Vision problems: The tumor may press on the optic nerves, leading to double vision, loss of vision, or other visual disturbances.

• Neurological symptoms: The tumor may press on the spinal cord or nerves, leading to weakness, numbness, or tingling in the arms or legs.

• Seizures: The tumor may press on the brain, leading to seizures.

• Pain or discomfort in the affected area: The tumor may cause pain or discomfort in the area where it is located.

• Difficulty with movement or coordination: The tumor may press on the spinal cord or nerves, leading to difficulty with movement or coordination.

• Loss of bladder or bowel control: The tumor may press on the spinal cord, leading to loss of bladder or bowel control.

• Fatigue and nausea: You may feel fatigue or experience nausea due to the tumor's effects on the body and/or the treatments used to treat it.

Chondrosarcoma is a type of bone cancer that occurs not only in the brain and spine but also in the bones of the limbs and pelvis. Chondrosarcoma is a cancer that can spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body. The following lists symptoms of chondrosarcoma found elsewhere in the body:

• Hip: Pain in the hip or thigh, stiffness, swelling, or weakness in the area, loss of function, fractures.
• Ribs: Pain in the chest or back, stiffness or swelling in the area, breathing difficulties, loss of function, fractures.
• Sternum (breastbone): Pain in the chest, stiffness or swelling in the area, breathing difficulties, loss of function, fractures.
• Pelvis: Pain in the hip, lower back, or thigh, stiffness or swelling in the area, limb weakness, loss of function, fractures.

These symptoms may also be caused by other conditions, and a proper diagnosis can be made only through medical examination and imaging tests. If you have any of these symptoms, it is important to consult with a doctor to determine the cause.

To confirm if your symptoms are caused by chondrosarcoma of the brain and spine, your doctor will perform a comprehensive evaluation, which may include the following:

• Physical examination: Your doctor will examine you to check for any signs of neurological or physical abnormalities.
• Medical history: Your doctor will ask you about your medical history, including any symptoms you have been experiencing and any family history of cancer or other medical conditions.
• Imaging tests: Your doctor may order imaging tests such as MRI or CT scans to help identify any tumors or abnormal growths in the brain or spine.
• Biopsy: A biopsy is the only way to confirm the diagnosis of chondrosarcoma. A small sample of the tumor is removed and examined under a microscope to confirm the diagnosis.

Chondrosarcoma of the brain and spine is a rare type of cancer and there may be other conditions that cause similar symptoms, so it is important to be evaluated by an experienced specialist. Your doctor may also consider other diagnostic tests depending on the signs and symptoms you are experiencing. It is important to follow your doctor's recommendations for monitoring and follow-up care, including regular imaging and physical exams.

• Chondrosarcoma of the brain and spine is a rare form of cancer that affects the bones of the skull and spine.
• Symptoms of chondrosarcoma of the brain and spine include headaches, nausea and vomiting, dizziness and loss of balance, weakness or numbness in the limbs, loss of vision or double vision, seizures, difficulty walking or standing, unusual sensations such as tingling or pain, and loss of bladder or bowel control.
• Chondrosarcoma can occur in the bones of the limbs, pelvis, and other parts of the body; this type of cancer can metastasize or spread from the site of the original primary tumor.
• To confirm your symptoms are chondrosarcoma of the brain and spine, a comprehensive evaluation including medical history and physical examination, imaging tests like CT and MRI scans, and biopsy is needed.
• If you have any concerns or symptoms that may be caused by brain or spinal chondrosarcoma, talk to your doctor. Early detection is crucial for successful treatment and a positive outcome

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