Overview

Chondrosarcoma is a rare type of malignant bone tumor that originates from cartilage-producing cells. It typically affects adults but can occur in adolescents and young adults. In Korea, advanced oncology centers and orthopedic oncology departments offer early diagnosis, surgical management, and follow-up care for patients with chondrosarcoma.

What is Chondrosarcoma?

Chondrosarcoma arises from cartilage cells and most commonly develops in the pelvis, femur, shoulder, or ribs. It is classified into low-grade (slow-growing) and high-grade (aggressive) forms. Unlike other bone cancers, chondrosarcoma is relatively resistant to chemotherapy and radiation, making surgical removal the primary treatment.

Symptoms

• Persistent bone or joint pain, often worsening at night
• Swelling or a palpable mass near the affected bone
• Limited movement or stiffness in nearby joints
• Fractures in weakened bones
• Fatigue or unintended weight loss in advanced cases

Causes

• Exact causes are unknown
• Rarely associated with genetic syndromes such as Ollier disease or Maffucci syndrome
• Pre-existing benign cartilage tumors (enchondromas) may rarely transform into chondrosarcoma
• Abnormal cell growth in cartilage tissue

Risk Factors

• Age: Most patients are between 40–70 years, though younger individuals can be affected
• Pre-existing benign cartilage tumors
• Genetic conditions affecting cartilage development
• History of radiation exposure to bones (rare)

Complications

• Local invasion of surrounding bone and soft tissue
• Pathological fractures due to bone weakening
• Rare metastasis, usually to the lungs in high-grade tumors
• Recurrence after incomplete surgical removal
• Functional impairment depending on tumor location

Prevention

• No known preventive measures due to unclear etiology
• Regular monitoring of pre-existing benign cartilage lesions
• Early medical evaluation for persistent bone pain or swelling

Treatment Options in Korea

Surgical management is the cornerstone of treatment, supported by specialized orthopedic oncology care:

• Surgery:
  • Wide excision of the tumor with clear margins
  • Limb-sparing surgery where possible
  • Reconstruction using bone grafts or prosthetics
• Adjuvant therapy:
  • Radiation therapy is generally limited due to tumor resistance
  • Chemotherapy is rarely effective but may be used in rare aggressive or dedifferentiated cases
• Specialized centers in Korea:
  • Samsung Medical Center Orthopedic Oncology
  • Seoul National University Hospital Bone Tumor Center
  • Asan Medical Center, Severance Hospital
  • Multidisciplinary teams including orthopedic surgeons, radiologists, and oncologists
• Follow-up care:
  • Regular imaging (X-ray, MRI, CT) to monitor for recurrence or metastasis
  • Physical therapy and rehabilitation for functional recovery
  • Long-term monitoring for high-grade or recurrent tumors