Chondrosarcoma is an uncommon type of cancer that begins in the cartilage around the bones. It most often affects adults older than 40. Though chondrosarcoma can affect any bone, it most often occurs in the hipbones and thighbones.

 

Symptoms

The symptoms of chondrosarcoma are:

• A large lump at the site,
• Sharp or dull pain where the tumor is located. The pain usually is worse at night, and will become more constant as the bone cancer grows,
• Swelling or redness at the tumor site,
• Limping or decreased use of the affected limb.

 

Causes

The exact cause of chondrosarcoma is not known. There may be a genetic or chromosomal component that predisposes certain individuals to this type of malignancy. Chondrosarcomas have been observed as a late consequence of radiation therapy for other cancers.

 

Risk factors

The following is a list of some benign conditions that may be present when chondrosarcoma occurs:

• Enchondromas. A type of benign bone tumor that originates from cartilage and usually affects the hands (can also affect other areas),
• Osteochondromas,  
• Multiple exostoses,  
• Ollier's disease,
• Maffucci's syndrome.

 

Complications

The list of complications for chondrosarcoma includes:

• Periosteal reaction,
• Red cell production reduced,
• Bone pain,
• Bone cancer,
• Pathological fracture,

Complications of chondrosarcoma are secondary conditions, symptoms, or other disorders that are caused by chondrosarcoma. In many cases the distinction between symptoms of chondrosarcoma and complications of chondrosarcoma is unclear or arbitrary.

 

Prevention

There is no known way to prevent chondrosarcoma. People with uncommon bone-related conditions may be more likely to develop chondrosarcoma. Also, some scientists have pointed to a connection between chondrosarcoma and injury to the affected area. However, they do not know whether the trauma triggers the cancer or simply draws attention to an undetected cancer.