Overview
A chondrosarcoma is a type of rare bone cancer that typically develops in cartilage — the flexible connective tissue that protects your joints and bones. Healthcare providers may call this condition a sarcoma.
This cancer can appear anywhere you have cartilage, but it usually forms in your:
- Arms and shoulder blade.
- Legs.
- Pelvis.
- Ribs.
- Sternum (breastbone).
They may also develop in benign bone tumors that become cancerous.
Chondrosarcomas are very rare, affecting 1 in 200,000 people in the U.S. You can develop a chondrosarcoma at any age, but the condition is more common in people ages 40 to 75, with most people receiving a diagnosis at age 51. The most common treatment is surgery to remove cancerous cartilage and bone.
Types of chondrosarcomas
There are several different types of chondrosarcomas. Chondrosarcomas that develop in cartilage are named for the cells that make up the tumors:
Conventional chondrosarcoma
This is the most common type, accounting for more than 85% of all chondrosarcomas. It typically affects people ages 50 to 70 and develops in your femur, humerus (upper arm bone) and pelvis. Conventional chondrosarcomas grow very slowly and are less likely to spread (metastasize) than other types.
Dedifferentiated chondrosarcoma
Dedifferentiated chondrosarcomas account for 10% of all chondrosarcomas. This type tends to develop in adults aged 60 and older and grows faster than most other chondrosarcomas. The fast-growing tumors usually develop in your humerus, femur or pelvic bones.
They’re known as dedifferentiated chondrosarcomas because some cells start out as typical chondrosarcomas, but then some parts of the tumor change into cells like those of a high-grade sarcoma. High-grade sarcomas are cancers that tend to grow and spread very quickly, including osteosarcoma, fibrosarcoma and undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma.
Clear cell chondrosarcoma
This type accounts for 2% of all chondrosarcomas. It typically affects people ages 30 to 50 but can affect people in their 20s. Clear cell chondrosarcomas are typically found near a joint in your arm or leg. They tend to grow slowly and rarely spread to other areas in your body.
Mesenchymal chondrosarcoma
This type often affects adults ages 19 to 30. It typically develops in your spine, ribs or jaw. Mesenchymal chondrosarcoma often grows quickly and is more likely to spread than other chondrosarcomas and come back (recur) after treatment.
Extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma is a form of mesenchymal chondrosarcoma. It forms in the soft tissue in the upper part of your arms and legs but not in your bone or cartilage.
Symptoms
When to see a doctor
Complications
- High blood pressure.
- Diabetes.
- Heart failure.
- Some types of heart valve disease.
Prevention
- Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
- Don't smoke or use tobacco.
- Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
- Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
- Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Reduce and manage stress.
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