Chondrosarcoma

Chondrosarcoma is a uncommon type of cancer. It typically starts in the bones, but sometimes it develops in the soft tissues close to bones. Common places for chondrosarcoma to develop include the pelvis, hip, and shoulder areas. Less frequently, it can affect the bones of the spine.

Usually, chondrosarcomas grow slowly. In the early stages, they often don't cause noticeable problems or symptoms. However, some rare forms of this cancer grow quickly and have a higher chance of spreading to other parts of the body. This faster-growing type can be harder to treat.

Treating chondrosarcoma generally involves surgery. Other approaches, such as radiation therapy and chemotherapy, might also be used, depending on the specific situation. For example, radiation therapy might be used to target remaining cancer cells after surgery, or chemotherapy could be used to shrink the tumor before surgery or to treat any cancer that has spread.

Chondrosarcoma is a type of cancer that often develops slowly. This means you might not notice any problems at first. However, if symptoms do appear, they could include:

• Increasing pain: The pain might start subtly and gradually get worse over time. This pain could be in any part of the body where the cancer is growing.

• A noticeable lump or swelling: As the cancer grows, you might feel a lump or notice a change in the size or shape of a part of your body. This could be in your arm, leg, or another area.

• Problems with bowel or bladder control, or weakness: If the cancer grows near the spinal cord, it can put pressure on it. This can lead to problems like trouble controlling your bladder or bowels, or weakness in your arms or legs.

It's important to remember that these are just some possible signs. If you have any of these symptoms, it's crucial to see a doctor to find out the cause.

Chondrosarcoma is a type of cancer, but doctors don't fully understand what starts it. Cancer happens when a cell's DNA, which is like a set of instructions for the cell, gets altered. These alterations, called mutations, tell the cell to grow and divide much faster than normal cells. Healthy cells usually stop growing and die after a certain time, but these mutated cells keep multiplying. This rapid cell growth creates a mass called a tumor. The tumor can get bigger and push into surrounding healthy tissue, causing damage. Sometimes, cells from the tumor break off and travel to other parts of the body, a process called metastasis, where they can start new tumors.

Chondrosarcoma is a type of bone cancer. Several things can raise your chances of getting it.

• Age: Most people diagnosed with chondrosarcoma are middle-aged or older, but it can happen at any time. As you get older, your risk of developing this cancer may increase.

• Other bone conditions: Certain conditions, like Ollier's disease and Maffucci's syndrome, can lead to non-cancerous growths in the bones. These growths, called enchondromas, are sometimes linked to a higher risk of developing chondrosarcoma. Essentially, these growths can change into a cancerous form in some cases.

Diagnosing chondrosarcoma involves several steps. Doctors first do a physical exam, asking about your symptoms and checking you over to see if there are any physical signs.

Next, imaging tests are used to get a better picture of the area. These might include X-rays, bone scans, MRIs (magnetic resonance imaging), and CT scans (computed tomography scans). These scans help doctors see the affected area in detail.

A biopsy is often needed to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy is a procedure where a small sample of suspicious tissue is removed. This tissue is sent to a lab for analysis. The lab tests the tissue to see if it's cancerous. The way the biopsy is done depends on where the suspicious tissue is located. Careful planning is important, as the biopsy should not harm your chances of having surgery to remove the cancer later. It's important to talk to your doctor about getting a referral to a team of specialists who have experience with chondrosarcoma. This ensures the best possible care.

Mayo Clinic has a team of experts who specialize in treating chondrosarcoma. They can provide comprehensive care and support throughout your treatment journey.

A bone scan showed cancer in a person's thighbone (femur). The entire thighbone, along with the hip and knee joints, needed to be replaced with artificial parts.

Chondrosarcoma, a type of bone cancer, is often treated with surgery. The best treatment depends on several factors: where the cancer is, how fast it's growing, if it's spread, the person's overall health, and their preferences.

The goal of surgery for chondrosarcoma is to remove the cancer and some healthy tissue around it to be safe. The exact surgery depends on the cancer's location:

• Minimally Invasive Procedures: Sometimes, for small, slow-growing chondrosarcomas in the arms or legs, doctors might carefully scrape the cancer from the bone. They might use cold gas or chemicals to kill any remaining cancer cells. If needed, the bone can be repaired with a bone graft or special cement.

• More Extensive Procedures: Most chondrosarcomas need more extensive surgery to remove all the cancer. This might involve removing a larger piece of bone, or even the whole limb (like an arm or leg). If possible, surgeons try to save the limb (limb salvage surgery). This means they carefully remove just the affected bone and replace or rebuild it.

Radiation therapy uses powerful beams (like X-rays or protons) to kill cancer cells. The person lies on a table while a machine directs the radiation to the exact spot of the cancer.

Radiation may be helpful if surgery is difficult, or if the cancer can't be completely removed with surgery. Radiation can also help control cancer that has spread to other parts of the body.

Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells. It's not often used for chondrosarcoma because it doesn't usually work well for this type of cancer. However, some fast-growing types might respond.

A cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming. It's important to take care of yourself emotionally and physically. Here are some ways to cope:

• Learn About Your Cancer: Talk to your doctor about your cancer, treatment options, and possible outcomes. The more you know, the more confident you'll feel making decisions.

• Support System: Stay connected with friends and family. They can offer practical help (like taking care of your home) and emotional support during tough times.

• Seek Support: Talk to someone who can listen and understand your hopes and fears. This could be a friend, family member, counselor, medical social worker, clergy member, or a cancer support group. These people can provide a listening ear, understanding, and helpful advice.

A Cancer Diagnosis: Finding Your Way Forward

Getting a cancer diagnosis is a life-altering experience. Everyone handles the emotional and physical changes differently. When first diagnosed, it's common to feel unsure about what to do next. Here are some ways to navigate this challenging time:

Understanding Your Cancer: Learning about your specific cancer is crucial for making informed decisions about your care. Talk to your doctor about your cancer type, treatment options, and potential outcomes (prognosis). The more you understand, the more confident you'll feel making choices about your treatment.

Nurturing Your Support System: Strong relationships with friends and family are essential. These connections provide vital support. Friends and family can help with practical tasks, like managing household chores while you're undergoing treatment, and offer emotional comfort when you're feeling overwhelmed.

Finding Someone to Talk To: Talking about your hopes and fears is important. This could be a close friend, family member, or a professional. Support groups, counselors, medical social workers, or clergy members can also offer valuable guidance and understanding. Sharing your feelings with someone who cares and listens can be incredibly helpful.

Seeking Professional Help: If you're struggling to cope with the emotional impact of a cancer diagnosis, don't hesitate to reach out to a professional. Counselors, social workers, or support groups can provide tailored guidance and assistance.