


What is chondrosarcoma?


Chondrosarcoma is a type of bone cancer that starts in cartilage cells. Cartilage is the specialized, smooth connective tissue that protects the ends of bones and lines most joints. It's the tissue from which most bones develop. Cartilage plays an important role in the growth process. There are many different types of cartilage all over the body. Chondrosarcoma mainly affects the cartilage cells of the thighbone (femur), arm, pelvis, or knee. Less often, other areas may be affected. These include the ribs, skull, and trachea (windpipe).

Chondrosarcoma is the second most common type of primary bone cancer in adults. A primary bone cancer is one that starts from bone cells. This is opposed to starting in another organ and then spreading to the bone.

What causes chondrosarcoma?

The exact cause of chondrosarcoma is not known. There may be a genetic change that make some people more likely to have this cancer. Chondrosarcomas can be caused by radiation therapy used to treat other cancers.

Who is at risk for chondrosarcoma?



Most often, chondrosarcoma starts in normal cartilage cells. It may also stem from a noncancer (benign) bone or cartilage tumor. The following is a list of some benign conditions that may be present when chondrosarcoma happens:

  • Enchondromas. A type of benign bone tumor that starts in cartilage and often affects the hands. It (can also affect other areas). The cause is unknown.

  • Multiple exostoses (osteochondromas). This is an inherited syndrome that causes many osteochondromas. These are an overgrowth of cartilage and bone near the end of the growth plate of long bones in the arms or legs.

  • Ollier disease. A cluster of benign cartilage tumors (enchondromas) that often affect the hands and feet. This inherited disease can cause severe bone deformities.

  • Maffucci syndrome. A combination of many benign cartilage tumors (enchondromas) that usually affect the hands and feet and benign tumors made up of blood vessels (angiomas) are caused by this inherited syndrome.


What are the symptoms of chondrosarcoma?

Symptoms of chondrosarcoma may vary depending on the location of the tumor. The following are the most common symptoms of chondrosarcoma. But each person may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:

  • Large mass on the affected bone

  • Feeling of pressure around the mass

  • Pain that gets worse over time. It is often worse at night and may be eased by taking anti-inflammatory medicines, such as ibuprofen. It is not usually relieved by rest.

  • Local swelling

  • Joint stiffness


How is chondrosarcoma diagnosed?

The doctor will ask about your health history and do a physical exam. You may also need tests, including:

  • Biopsy. Tissue samples are removed from the body (with a needle or during surgery. The samples are then checked under a microscope. This is done to find out if cancer or other abnormal cells are present.

  • X-ray. This test uses a small dose of radiation to make images of internal tissues, bones, and organs onto film.



  • Positron emission tomography (PET) scan. For this imaging test, radioactive-tagged sugar (glucose) is injected into the bloodstream. Tissues that use the glucose more than normal tissues (such as cancer cells) can be detected by a scanning machine.

After a diagnosis of chondrosarcoma, you’ll likely need more tests. These help your healthcare providers learn more about the cancer. They can help show if the cancer has grown into nearby areas or spread to other parts of your body. The test results help your healthcare providers decide the best ways to treat the cancer. A stage grouping is then assigned.

How is chondrosarcoma staged?



Staging for chondrosarcoma also takes into account the grade of the cancer. This is a measure of how much the cancer cells look like normal cells. A scale of 1 to 3 is used. Grade 1 cancer cells look most like normal cells and tend to grow and spread slower than grade 3. Grade 3 cells look very different from normal cells. Grade 2 falls in between.


How is chondrosarcoma treated?


The goal for treatment of chondrosarcoma is to remove the mass and reduce the chance that it will return. Close follow-up with your healthcare provider may be needed. Treatment may include:



  • Radiation therapy. Radiation might be given at high doses.

  • Chemotherapy. Although not the main treatment, it may be needed if the cancer has spread to other areas of the body.


Key points about chondrosarcoma






Next steps



  • Before your visit, write down questions you want answered.




  • Ask if your condition can be treated in other ways.





Online Medical Reviewer: Lu Cunningham
Online Medical Reviewer: Richard LoCicero MD
Date Last Reviewed: 2/1/2019