Chondrosarcoma Symptoms

Have you ever heard of a medical condition called chondrosarcoma? Chondrosarcoma is one of the malignant bone cancer types that affects the connective tissue or cartilage cells of the thigh bone, pelvis, shoulder blades, upper arm, knee, spine or ribs. Cartilage is basically the tough elastic tissue that forms a protective covering on the ends of the bones. Chondrosarcoma is the second most common primary bone cancer types. The other types of bone cancer include osteosarcoma, Ewing's sarcoma, fibrosarcoma, chordoma, multiple myeloma and malignant fibrous histiocytoma. This malignant tumor arises from cartilage cells called chondrocytes. When one gets affected by this condition, the malignant cartilage cells begin to develop on the surface of the bone. The abnormal growth could even develop within the bone. The growth could be slow or aggressive. Wondering what causes chondrosarcoma? Here's some information on chondrosarcoma symptoms, causes and treatment.

What Causes Chondrosarcoma?

Chondrosarcoma is classified into various subtypes on the basis of their location. When it occurs within the bone, it is referred to as central chondrosarcoma, and if it occurs on the surface of the bone, it is called peripheral chondrosarcoma. The variants of chondrosarcoma include dedifferentiated, clear cell, mesenchymal and juxtacortical chondrosarcomas. The exact causes of chondrosarcoma are not known. It is believed that some people might be genetically predisposed to this serious medical condition. Doctors generally attribute chondrosarcoma to chromosomal or genetic components, however, there are certain conditions that might increase one's risk of developing sarcoma or malignant tumor of connective tissue. Those who have been diagnosed with genetic conditions called hereditary multiple exostoses (HME), Ollier's disease and Maffucci's syndrome are at an increased risk of developing chondrosarcoma. People suffering from benign bone tumor in the form of chondroma, enchondroma and osteochondroma could also develop chondrosarcoma.

Symptoms of Chondrosarcoma

The symptoms of chondrosarcoma vary depending on the size and location of the abnormal malignant growth. Besides development of a mass or lump on the affected bone, the affected area generally swells up. It might be tender to touch. One will experience a feeling of pressure or pain in the affected area. Sometimes the bone might weaken or break due to the pressure. Generally bone cancer pain seems to get worse at night. The pain might be dull and persistent and one doesn't feel relief even while taking rest. If the tumor has spread to the lungs, one might start coughing up blood or experience shortness of breath. In case chondrosarcoma affects the pelvis, one might suffer from urinary obstruction.

Treatment Options for Chondrosarcoma

Besides analyzing the patient's medical history, doctors generally conduct physical examination and use X-rays or imaging procedures such as MRI, bone scan or CT scan to formulate a diagnosis. Generally a needle biopsy is performed in order to make an assessment about the type of bone cancer. Chondrosarcoma prognosis is fair in case of low-grade chondrosarcoma where the malignant cancer cells are slow growing and the doctors feel that the chances of sarcoma spreading to other parts are less. However, in case of intermediate and high grade chondrosarcoma, the prognosis is poor. The grade and type of chondrosarcoma definitely has an impact on the life expectancy.

Doctors will determine the treatment option after they identify the type or the grade of chondrosarcoma. Doctors will take into consideration the patient's medical history, age and overall health while deciding the treatment options. Doctors might resort to surgery if the tumor seems to be growing aggressively and there is a possibility of recurrence of sarcoma. Though the treatment options might include the use of chemotherapy and radiation therapy, these have been found to be less effective in alleviating the symptoms of chondrosarcoma. The use of anti-cancerous medications is prescribed if the cancer seems to be spreading to other parts of the body. Physical therapy might also be needed to strengthen the affected bone.

This was all about chondrosarcoma symptoms and treatment. If you have been experiencing any of these symptoms, consult a doctor immediately. An early diagnosis and timely cancer treatment definitely affects bone cancer survival rate. It will help you cope with this serious medical condition. Make sure that you go for regular follow-ups and follow the advice of your doctor.