Chondrosarcoma is a type of rare bone cancer affecting the bones of pelvis, legs and shoulders. This cancer begins its infection on the bone and on rare cases it can arise even outside the bone cartilages on the adjacent muscles. It affects only adults of age group between 25-65years. It is largely found in leg bones and pelvic bones but it may occur in any part of the body.
Next to osteosarcoma (bone cancer), chondrosarcoma is the common type of bone cancer forming tumors inside the bone. Surgery and chemotherapy are the best treatments available for curing this aggressive form of bone cancer. Early detection will help fast recovery from cancerous cells.
Causes :
Exact cause of chondrosarcoma is unknown. People with autoimmune disorder and underlying medical issues have increased chance of getting this bone cancer.
Certain diseases like Wilm’s tumor, Ollier’s disease, Pageg’s disease, Maffuci Syndrome and multiple hereditary exostoses can cause bone cancer.
How far it is aggressive ?
Many types of chondrosarcoma produce only low grade tumors. The bone cells grow like tumors and looks like normal cartilage in mild form of bone cancer (conventional chondrosarcoma). In intermediate type, the cells will look very much like cartilage but will have malignant changes. In severe form of bone cancer, (Dedifferentiated and mesenchymal type) the cells grow rapidly and change its size and shape quickly.
Symptoms :
There are no visible symptoms since the person having chondrosarcoma will not get sick. They will have difficulty in moving legs and walking. There may be pain, discomfort, swelling on the legs that would restrict movements.
Diagnoses :
Physical examination of the affected part and X-ray test will reveal the presence of tumor. The doctor may conduct additional tests like CT scan or MRI scanning for diagnosing the size of tumor and how far it has progressed.