NYC Chondrosarcoma Specialists

Chondrosarcoma is the second most common form of primary bone cancer, developing in cartilage cells in the femur, arm, pelvis, knee, shoulder, and occasionally other parts of the body such as the ribs or spine. In most patients, chondrosarcoma develops slowly and may not present many symptoms in its early stages, but as it develops, it can cause pain, a growing lump, and bowel or bladder control problems when it presses against the spinal cord. In some instances, it can grow rapidly, spreading to other parts of the body.

Chondrosarcoma is the second most common form of primary bone cancer, developing in cartilage cells in the femur, arm, pelvis, knee, shoulder, and occasionally other parts of the body such as the ribs or spine. In most patients, chondrosarcoma develops slowly and may not present many symptoms in its early stages, but as it develops, it can cause pain, a growing lump, and bowel or bladder control problems when it presses against the spinal cord. In some instances, it can grow rapidly, spreading to other parts of the body.

It’s rare for anyone under the age of 20 to develop chondrosarcoma, but with each year up until age 75, your risk of developing it increases, and it can still potentially develop at any age.

Other bone diseases may also make you more susceptible to developing chondrosarcoma. These diseases, particularly Ollier’s disease and Maffucci’s syndrome, cause the growth of benign masses called enchondromas and angiomas that can later become malignant. The presence of multiple osteochondromas can also be a risk factor.

Chondrosarcoma is typically treated through surgical removal of the tumor followed by radiation and chemotherapy. During surgery, cancer cells may be scraped off of the bone or removed along with a margin of healthy tissue to ensure as many cancerous cells are removed as possible. Surgery may also be followed up with physical therapy, particularly if the chondrosarcoma was located in a limb.