What is a Chondrosarcoma?

Chondrosarcoma is a rare type of bone cancer, accounting for less than 1% of all bone tumors. The term chondrosarcoma is a combination of two word roots: chondro-, which refers to cartilage, and sarcoma, which refers to a type of cancer that arises from connective tissues such as bone, muscle, cartilage, and fat. Therefore, chondrosarcoma means a cancer that arises from cells that make up cartilage tissue.

Cartilage is found in many parts of the body, including your ears, nose, windpipe, and joints like the knee. Chondrosarcoma can occur in any bone in the body but most commonly is found in bones of the arms and legs, pelvis, and shoulder blade. It may also be found in the ribs, spine, and at the base of the skull.

A chondrosarcoma can be classified in many ways by its appearance under the microscope. Chondrosarcomas can be grouped into different histologic types by the presence of similar microscopic features. When the diagnosis of chondrosarcoma is made, a tissue biopsy can then help to reveal its grade and stage at that time. The grade describes the degree of tumor cell abnormality, and the stage describes the extent of cancer in the body. A higher grade or stage typically reflects less favorable prognoses.

Chondrosarcoma subtypes include classical or conventional, dedifferentiated, mesenchymal, and clear cell types. The classical or conventional type is the most common type of chondrosarcoma. Dedifferentiated and mesenchymal subtypes are aggressive (fast growing and likely to spread) and associated with poor prognosis.

A chondrosarcoma may be further defined by its grade. Chondrosarcomas are classified into 3 grades based on the speed in which they grow and how likely they are to spread to other parts of the body:

• Low-grade (Grade 1) chondrosarcoma: These tumors grow slowly and are less likely to spread to other parts of the body.
• Intermediate-grade (Grade 2) chondrosarcoma: These tumors grow faster than low-grade tumors and are more likely to spread.
• High-grade (Grade 3) chondrosarcoma: These tumors tend to grow rapidly and are more likely to spread to other parts of the body.

A chondrosarcoma can also be described by its stage. Chondrosarcoma stages are based on the size and location of the tumor, as well as whether the cancer has spread to other parts of the body (known as metastasis). The most commonly used staging system for chondrosarcoma is the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging system and is generally as follows:

• Stage 0: The tumor is confined to the cartilage only.
• Stage I: The tumor is confined to the bone and is less than 8 centimeters (about 3 inches) in size.
• Stage II: The tumor is larger than 8 centimeters (about 3 inches) in size and is confined to the bone.
• Stage III: The tumor has spread to nearby soft tissue or structures, such as muscles, tendons, or ligaments.
• Stage IV: The tumor has metastasized to other parts of the body, such as the lungs or other bones.

Staging of chondrosarcoma is complex and may be different depending on the location and specific features of the tumor. A team of specialists will work together to determine the stage of your tumor and the most appropriate treatment plan.

As noted, chondrosarcoma may be found in any bone in the body. Chondrosarcoma most commonly occurs in the following locations:

• Long bones of the arms and legs: Chondrosarcoma of the long bones, such as the femur and tibia, is the most common type of chondrosarcoma.
• Pelvis: Chondrosarcoma of the pelvis, such as the hip and sacrum, is less common but can be more difficult to treat because of the location and proximity to vital organs (liver, kidneys, pancreas, and intestines).
• Shoulder blade: Chondrosarcoma of the shoulder blade, or scapula, can be difficult to detect because symptoms may not occur until the tumor has become large.
• Spine: Chondrosarcoma of the spine is rare, but it can cause severe back pain, weakness, or numbness in the legs if the tumor compresses the spinal cord or nerve roots.
• Ribs: Chondrosarcoma of the ribs is also rare; it can cause chest pain and difficulty breathing if the tumor invades the lung or pleura (the thin layer of tissue that lines the chest cavity and surrounds the lungs).
• Skull: Chondrosarcoma of the skull is rare, but it can cause headaches, vision problems, or other neurological symptoms if it invades the brain or cranial nerves (nerves that relay information between the brain and other parts of the body).

Chondrosarcoma can cause changes, from mild to very serious, to your body. The effects of chondrosarcoma can vary depending on the size, location, and type of the tumor, as well as the stage of the disease. Some potential effects of chondrosarcoma on the body include:

• Pain: Pain is the most common symptom of chondrosarcoma and may be a dull and aching or sharp pain that gets worse with activity.
• Swelling: Swelling may occur in the affected area and can be accompanied by stiffness and difficulty moving the affected limb.
• Fractures: Chondrosarcoma can weaken the bone, making you more prone to fractures.
• Loss of function: Loss of function in the affected limb can result from chondrosarcoma, making it difficult to perform daily activities.
• Metastasis: Chondrosarcoma can spread to other parts of the body, such as the lungs, other bones, or lymph nodes.
• Compression of vital structures: Chondrosarcoma can put pressure on surrounding vital structures such as the spinal cord, nerves, blood vessels, or lung.

Chondrosarcoma can have different effects on the body, and the symptoms and treatment options will vary depending on the type, stage, and location of your tumor.

• Chondrosarcoma is a rare cancer that arises from the cells that make up cartilage tissue.
• This cancer can occur in many locations in the body, including the arms and legs, pelvis, shoulder blade, ribs, spine, and skull.
• Medical professionals may describe your chondrosarcoma by its stage, which considers tumor size, location, and extent of spread.
• Chondrosarcoma can cause body changes such as pain, swelling, bone fractures, loss of function, and compression of vital structures.

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