What is Chondrosarcoma?
Chondrosarcoma is a disorder of bone growth that is different from the normal condition of the bone. Chondrosarcoma is common to humans as well as animals. People who have chondrosarcoma have a tumor growth or malignant bony type of bump which can vary in size and location depending on the individual. All patients are not the same in how they are affected. The surgical treatment methods of their doctors are not always the same, either. Each case has to be considered on it's own conditions.
Chondrosarcoma usually develops from normal cartilage which goes through malignant change. It may also begin to form within benign tumors of cartilage and bone called osteochondromas or enchondromas that a patient may already have.
A Chondrosarcoma is not benign. It is a tumor in which cancer (malignant) cells begin growing in cartilage tissue within or on the bone (central chondrosarcoma) or secondarily within the cartilaginous cap of a pre-existing osteochondroma or enchondroma (peripheral chondrosarcoma). Chondrosarcoma can be referred to by various other names too, depending on the type of cells identified by looking at them under a microscope. It is the second most common primary bone cancer.
For example:
It is important to understand the difference between a benign and malignant bone tumor. Benign bone tumors are not sarcomas. Benign bone tumors do not spread to other tissues or organs, and are not life-threatening. They are generally removed by surgery if there are certain symptoms accompanying them. Again, these are not malignant.
Malignant tumors arising from the skeletal system are rare, representing only two/tenths of a percent of all new cancers. According to the American Cancer Society, "in 2008, about 2,380 new cases of cancer of the bones and joints will be diagnosed in the United States." Remember that's all cancers of the bone. Chondrosarcoma is just a small part of that count. In comparison to Breast Cancer, which has been stated as nearly 800,000 (in 2006) according to the Susan G. Komen website, bone cancers are very rare
The most common type of bone cancer is osteosarcoma, which develops in new tissue inside growing bones. Evidence suggests that Ewing's sarcoma, another form of bone cancer, begins in immature nerve tissue in bone marrow. Osteosarcoma and Ewing's sarcoma tend to occur more frequently in children and adolescents, while chondrosarcoma occurs more often in adults.
Chondrosarcoma has a better outcome than osteosarcoma. The treatment options for both these cancers are different. Treatment for chondrosarcoma is usually less invasive than treatment for Osteosarcoma. Treatment for chondrosarcoma commonly only involves surgical removal of the tumor and surrounding tissue. Recurrence rates for chondrosarcoma are less than osteosarcoma. Recurrence of chondrosarcoma usually occurs in the same location as the original tumor or very close to it. Recurrence are rarely found in other parts of the body. For example, in Clear Cell Chondrosarcoma.
Chemotherapy and Radiation treatments are more frequently necessary in osteosarcoma. As of April 2008, chemotherapy and Radiation are not effective and will not produce a cure in the great majority of chondrosarcomas. If the Chondrosarcoma is located in the skull base, Proton Beam Radiation has been very successful in halting further growth along with necessary surgery. Regular radiation is not sufficiently strong, or targeted to the tumor as Proton Beam radiation is. Sometimes Proton Beam is used in spinal Chondrosarcoma, and recently some attempts are being made with pelvic chondrosarcoma. Still, surgery needs to occur as well.
Keep in mind that the percentage for full recovery in chondrosarcoma patients is much higher than in osteosarcoma. It is important to have frequent follow up x-rays and scans in order to verify there are no recurrences for at least five years or longer. Even if there is a recurrence, there are good chances for long term survival.
Chondrosarcoma is NOT the type of cancer that has spread from other organs to the bone. That is called metastatic bone cancer which might be located in more than one bone. A typical example is when lung, kidney, liver, breast or other cancer spreads to the bones as part of their metastasis. Examination of the cells of metastatic bone cancer look like lung the original type of cancer cells, (prostate, or liver, breast etc.)
These are other types of bone cancer which are NOT chondrosarcoma.
Ewing's Sarcoma
Fibrosarcoma
Malignant Fibrous Histiocytoma
Giant cell tumor of bone
Chordoma
Lymphoma
Leukemia
Multiple Myeloma
Osteosarcoma
Go on to question #3 What are the possible risks of developing Chondrosarcoma?
This site was created in loving memory of Raj A. Megha.
Disclaimer:
This material should not be used as a basis for treatment decisions, and is not a substitute for professional consultation. It is further recommended that patients and laypersons looking for guidance among the sources of this webpage are strongly advised to review the information with their professional health care provider.Last updated: 2008