Chondrosarcoma – Symptoms, Prognosis, Treatment, Survival Rate

Sign and Symptoms of Chondrosarcoma

This condition does not have symptoms in its early stages, and is usually diagnosed after the appearance of the symptoms. I have listed down the symptoms of Leiomyosarcoma (an aggressive soft tissue sarcoma derived from smooth muscle cells typically of uterine, gastrointestinal or soft tissue origin).

• Limited Range of Motion – If the tumor grows in a joint it will impede its range of motion.

  
  

• Pathologic Fracture – This is a fracture that is caused by bone fragility. Pathologic fractures occur when there is a fracture after only a minor trauma.

• Swelling and Heat – Although this is a general defense mechanism that our bodies use against infection, it can be present in a patient with a tumor. Please note that swelling and heat can also be associated with other diseases and conditions and so are not definitive symptoms of chondrosarcoma.

  
  

• Pain – Pain at night can be indicative of chondrosarcoma, but again this is not a definitive symptom because it can be caused by many other medical conditions.

Causes of Chondrosarcoma

We do not know the cause of chondrosarcoma, but research is ongoing. Some other factors associated with chondrosarcoma are:

• Genetic Disposition – There are some hereditary conditions that can increase the chance of having this condition. Rare genetic conditions that affect the bone can be a risk factor in having chondrosarcoma.

• Radiation – Radiation causes mutation of the cells so exposure to radiation can cause cancer.

• Previous medical conditions – A person is at risk for this condition if he/she has had a previous bone tumor.

Stages of Chondrosarcoma

Stage 1A

The cancer is low-grade and is contained within the bone.

Stage 1B

The cancer is low-grade and extends outside the bone into the soft tissue spaces, which contain nerves and blood vessels.

Stage 2A

The cancer is high-grade and is contained within the hard coating of the bone.

Stage 2B

The cancer is high-grade and extends outside the bone into the soft tissue spaces, which contain nerves and blood vessels.

Stage 3

The cancer can be low-grade or high-grade and is found either within the bone or outside it. The cancer has also spread to other parts of the body, or to other bones not directly connected to the bone where the tumor started.

Diagnosis of Chondrosarcoma

Often there are no symptoms and diagnosis can be accidental, while seeking the cause of something else. By the time symptoms occur, the tumor has often spread and is impeding normal bodily functions. Expert advice and a series of tests are necessary for accurate diagnosis and to rule out leiomyosarcoma. These tests may include:

• X-rays – to check the basic structure of the bone.

• Bone Scan – like an x-ray, this procedure will provide us with more details and will reveal any abnormalities of the bone.

• Advanced Imaging Tests – This includes the MRI and CT scan, both specialized imaging tests that are used to scan the tumor. They can produce detailed results on the status of the tumor and a cross-sectional view of the tumor. They can also be used after the treatment to check if it was successful.

• Biopsy – During a biopsy a specimen is extracted from the tumor which will then be used in diagnosis.

Treatment of Chondrosarcoma

Radiation Therapy

This therapy is used to kill cancer cells and though not commonly used to treat chondrosarcoma, it can be used in special cases when the affected part cannot be perfectly excised by using surgery.

Surgery

At one time, the only solution for this condition was amputation (removal of a limb). Fortunately, modern surgical procedures have developed that allow the surgeon to remove the cartilage and replace it with a prosthesis (artificial cartilage) to mimic the normal function of the removed cartilage.

Chemotherapy

This procedure is not used alone in this type of sarcoma but is used in combination with surgery to kill any cancer cells remaining after the surgery.

Chondrosarcoma Pictures

Chondrosarcoma of the Hip Bone

Chondrosarcoma of the Skull as shown ion CT-Scan