The Basics
Written by the doctors and editors at UpToDate � �
What is a chondrosarcoma? " � A chondrosarcoma is a type of bone cancer. It happens when normal cells in the bone cartilage (the rubbery material where 2 bones meet) change into abnormal cells and grow out of control. � �
People can also have growths in their cartilage that are not cancer. Sometimes, a chondrosarcoma happens in a non-cancer growth that a person has had for a long time. � �
There are different types of chondrosarcomas. Most types grow slowly and do not spread to other parts of the body. � �
What are the symptoms of a chondrosarcoma? " � A chondrosarcoma usually causes pain and swelling in the area of the cancer. The pain can come and go, but it usually gets worse over weeks to months. The pain is sometimes worse at night and with exercise. Some people might also see or feel a lump on their bone or in the tissues around the bone. � �
Some chondrosarcomas grow in a skull bone. These can cause headaches and seeing double. � �
All of these symptoms can also be caused by conditions that are not a chondrosarcoma. But if you have these symptoms, tell your doctor or nurse. � �
Is there a test for a chondrosarcoma? " � Yes. Your doctor or nurse will first order an X-ray of your bone. � �
If the X-ray shows that you likely have a chondrosarcoma, you will have other tests. These will probably include: � �
- An imaging test, such as an MRI or CT scan, of the area with the cancer " � An imaging test creates pictures of the inside of the body.
- A biopsy " � This is a procedure in which a doctor removes a sample of the cancer. Then another doctor looks at the sample under a microscope.
What is cancer staging? " � Cancer staging is a way in which doctors find out if a cancer has spread past the layer of tissue where it began, and, if so, how far. � �
The right treatment for you will depend a lot on the type of chondrosarcoma you have, its stage, and your other medical problems. � �
How is a chondrosarcoma treated? " � A chondrosarcoma is usually treated with surgery. The type of surgery you have depends on where your cancer is and how big it is. Most people have surgery to cut out the cancer as well as some healthy tissue around the cancer. Depending on the type of surgery, the doctor might need to "rebuild " � part of the bone after surgery. � �
In some cases, instead of cutting out the cancer, the doctor can do a type of surgery that involves using a tool to scrape away the cancer. � �
Doctors dont usually use radiation therapy to treat a chondrosarcoma. But if your doctor can't safely remove all of the cancer with surgery, he or she might treat you with radiation therapy. This involves getting high doses of X-rays (radiation) aimed at your cancer to kill the cancer cells. � �
Although rare, a few types of chondrosarcomas grow quickly and spread easily to other parts of the body. Doctors usually treat these chondrosarcomas with surgery plus radiation or chemotherapy. Chemotherapy is the term doctors use to describe a group of medicines that kill cancer cells. � �
What happens after treatment? " � After treatment, your doctor will check you every so often to see if the cancer comes back. Follow-up tests can include exams, blood tests, chest X-rays, and imaging tests. � �
You should also watch for the symptoms listed above. Having those symptoms could mean your chondrosarcoma has come back. Tell your doctor or nurse if you have any symptoms. � �
What happens if my chondrosarcoma comes back or spreads? " � If your chondrosarcoma comes back or spreads, you might have more surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy. � �
What else should I do? " � It's important to follow all of your doctor's instructions about visits and tests. It's also important to talk to your doctor about any side effects or problems you have during treatment. � �
Getting treated for a chondrosarcoma involves making many choices, such as what treatment to have. Always let your doctors and nurses know how you feel about a treatment. Any time you are offered a treatment, ask: � �
- What are the benefits of this treatment? Is it likely to help me live longer? Will it reduce or prevent symptoms?
- What are the downsides to this treatment?
- Are there other options besides this treatment?
- What happens if I do not have this treatment?
All topics are updated as new evidence becomes available and our peer review process is complete. � �
This topic retrieved from UpToDate on: Nov 04, 2014. � �
Topic 83152 Version 2.0 � �
Release: 22.8 - C22.208 � �
� � 2014 UpToDate, Inc. All rights reserved. � �
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you.The use of UpToDate content is governed by the UpToDate Terms of Use. � �2014 UpToDate, Inc. All rights reserved. � �
Copyright
� � 2014 UpToDate, Inc. All rights reserved. � �