What is Chondrosarcoma?
Chondrosarcoma is a rare type of bone cancer that affects the cartilage surrounding bones. Chondrosarcoma is usually a slow-growing tumour that is found upon the surface of bones. Unexplained pain around the tumour area is the most common symptom. Common areas for Chondrosarcoma to develop include:
- Upper arms (or humerus)
- Shoulders
- Pelvis
- Legs and thighs
Less than 0.2% of all cancers are bone cancers and Chondrosarcomas account for around 30% of bone cancers. This makes it a very rare form of cancer. Chondrosarcoma’s resistance to chemotherapy and radiation therapy also make it difficult to treat without surgery.
Causes and Risk Factors for Chondrosarcoma:
The cause of Chondrosarcoma remains unknown. However, a few potential risk factors have been identified. A risk factor is something the increases the likelihood of Chondrosarcoma occurring. Presence of several risk factors does not guarantee that Chondrosarcoma will develop and an absence of any risk factors does not mean that tumours will not develop. Common risk factors for Chondrosarcoma include:
- Enchondroma – an enchondroma is a small cartilage cyst found in bone marrow. If you have a history of cartilage cysts, you are at a higher risk of developing Chondrosarcoma.
- Benign bone tumours – If you have a history of benign (non-cancerous) bone tumours, you are at a higher risk.
- Other bone conditions – Sufferers of Maffucci syndrome and Ollier disease are more prone to developing Chondrosarcoma.
Symptoms of Chondrosarcoma
Early diagnosis and treatment allow doctors to treat cancers such as Chondrosarcoma more effectively. For this reason, it is important that if you notice any symptoms, you see a doctor as soon as possible. Below are some of the most common symptoms of Chondrosarcoma:
- Pain in the affected area – The most common symptom is pain in the area of the tumour. This pain may come in the form of Sciatica, which is a condition where the pain is experienced down the back, outside or front of the leg. Since Chondrosarcoma develops most commonly on the arms, legs, shoulders and ribs, you should be wary of pain in these areas.
- Weak bones – Sometimes, the bone can become weakened due to cancer. This can result in it breaking or fracturing after a minor impact. Broken bones (and the x-rays and imaging that follow) are often how bone cancers such as Chondrosarcoma are diagnosed.
Treatment for Chondrosarcoma:
Surgery
Chondrosarcoma is a type of tumour that is mostly resistant to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. For this reason, most doctors will recommend surgery to remove a mass. The type of surgery recommended will depend on the stage, location and aggressiveness of a tumour. Below are some of the most common forms of surgery:
- Removal of the tumour via surgery -During this surgery, doctors will attempt to remove the tumour as well as a section of healthy tissue around it. This reduces the chances of a tumour growing back over time. This type of surgery can be done when the cancer is in its early stages and has not spread.
- Limb-sparing surgery – Limb-Sparing surgery is when part of a bone or joint is removed and replaced with an artificial one. This type of surgery is done as an ideal alternative to amputation if the cancer has spread throughout a bone.
- Amputation – Unfortunately, amputation is sometimes the only option to remove bone cancer from a limb. This usually happens because cancer has spread to nearby nerves and blood vessels.
What support can we give for Chondrosarcoma?
Chondrosarcoma is rare cancer, meaning it is not as well-known as other forms of cancer. Without a Ribbon is an Australian organisation that provides support for individuals who suffer from rare cancers. We provide a designated platform for Warriors to obtain information specific to their Rare Cancer. We also provide annual opportunities for our Warriors to meet and learn from each other.
If you suffer from a rare cancer such as Chondrosarcoma, we can help and support you through your journey thanks to the generous donations we receive. Click the link below to sign up and become a Warrior today!
You can help us with your donation:
Without a Ribbon is a charity that works hard to aid those who suffer from rare cancers. You can help our cause in a variety of ways:
Donations – Without a Ribbon is grateful for every donation received. Giving to Without a Ribbon helps us to provide ongoing support, organise the annual gathering and subsidise the costs of our Warriors attending these conferences.
Sponsorship – If you wish to sponsor our charity, please contact us using this form.
Volunteering – We are always looking for volunteers to help with different aspects of running our charity. If you are looking for volunteer work, please feel free to contact us.
