Chondrosarcoma

Chondrosarcoma is a cancer that arises in the cartilage cells and occurs most often in older people. It is extremely rare in children; only 2 to 3 percent of this type of cancer occurs in people under the age of twenty. The most common sites are the hips; die most frequent early symptom is the appearance of a lump or mass in the pelvic area, followed by pain.

The prognosis is difficult to assess. In adults, the cancer does not seem to be as malignant as osteosarcoma, while in children the disease is more difficult to control. Late spread to the lungs is common, as is spread of the primary tumor to surrounding tissue.

Surgical removal of the tumor or amputation is the usual treatment. If the Chondrosarcoma is judged to be of the low-grade, slow-growing type, adjuvant chemotherapy usually is not given. Drugs may be used in the faster-growing high-grade variation.