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chondrosarcoma

Chondrosarcoma, also known as bone sarcoma, is a malignant bone cancer made up of cancer cells located in the cartilage. Chondrosarcoma usually affects well-adults. Unlike many other bone cancers, this cancer often has a lower chance of spreading (metastasis), as they usually have a slower growth rate, but this does not apply to all chondrosarcomas. This form of cancer is malignant, which means it will spread and potentially be fatal. According to SNL (Store Norske Leksikon), there are about 10 new cases of this cancer in Norway every year.

- Biopsy is needed to diagnose

The only sure way to diagnose is by taking a biopsy (tissue sample) of the affected area. Blood tests, urine tests, bone scans (Dexa examination), X-ray examination and imaging can also be useful in the diagnostic process.

- The treatment consists of surgery and curettage

Condroma sarcoma does not respond to chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Surgery is mainly used to operate on the cancer - on chondrosarcomas with a low growth rate, a scraping technique called curettage before using liquid nitrogen, phenol or argon to kill the remaining cancer cells on the bone surface. Surgeons must be extremely careful when removing such cancer, as a wrong cut can lead to cancer cells being left in the area - which in turn can lead to a later onset of the cancer. Amputation of the affected area is rarely necessary. Over 75% of affected people survive if the entire cancerous tumor is removed.

- Regular check

In the event of deterioration or similar, people should go to check to see if any development or further growth has occurred. This is normally done with systematic blood tests, urine tests, x-rays (see imaging) to estimate any size development or bloom. Every six months or annually, an X-ray may be necessary, but it may be taken less frequently if no further development is seen.

Also read: - You need to know this about bone cancer! (Here you will also find a great overview of benign and malignant forms of bone cancer)