Chondrosarcoma

Also known as: chondrosarcoma cancer.

What is chondrosarcoma?

Chondrosarcoma is a form of cancer that can develop in the bones and soft tissues of the body, usually in people over 20 years of age. Mostly they begin in the cells in the joints that produce cartilage. There are a number of microscopic subtypes.

Common areas where chondrosarcomas grow are:

  • the bones of the arm
  • shoulder
  • knee
  • pelvis
  • thigh
However, they can occur in any bone. Many are slow growing though some can be more aggressive.

What causes chondrosarcoma?

As with many cancers, the cause is frequently unknown. There are however a number of medical conditions that seem to be associated with its development. In some there may be a genetic defect, in others, radiation therapy may contribute to it.

What are the signs and symptoms of chondrosarcoma?

The telltale sign of chondrosarcoma is a large tumor on the bone. This mass may have a sensation of pressure on it, and pain and swelling can also develop. The pain frequently gets worse at night.

What are chondrosarcoma care options?

Treatment is to remove the mass with surgery; chemotherapy and radiation therapy may be necessary if the cancer has spread to the rest of the body.

Physical therapy is often needed to regain strength after the procedure.

Reviewed by: Jack Wolfsdorf, MD, FAAP

This page was last updated on: September 09, 2025 10:20 AM

Sarcoma & Solid Tumor Program

Specialized care for children with any type of bone cancer.

Learn More
Check Your Symptoms
Use the symptom checker tool to check how serious your symptoms are, if a healthcare visit is needed, and what steps you can take to relieve your symptoms at home.

Learn more about

Chondroblastoma

Chondroblastoma is a rare type of cartilage-producing benign tumor in children that often occurs in the ends of the long bones of the arms and legs.

Sarcomas

Sarcomas are rare kinds of cancers that affect the body’s soft tissues. They are given different names depending on the type of cell or tissue involved including muscles, tendons, bone, fat, etc.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is a common form of cancer treatment. It refers to drugs that are often used to kill cancer cells and prevent them from coming back.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy is a common form of cancer treatment. It refers to exposing the body to beams of radiation that are used to kill cancer cells and prevent them from coming back.

Bone Scan

A bone scan is usually used to assess pain, fractures, infection, or tumors of bone. A radioactive medicine is injected into a vein and then images are taken with a special camera, called a gamma camera.