Chondrosarcoma

Question 1

What is chondrosarcoma?

Answer 1

Chondrosarcoma is a malignant tumor in cartilage.

Question 2

What type of tissue does chondrosarcoma originate from?

Answer 2

Chondrosarcoma originates from mesenchymal (connective) tissue.

Question 3

What cells do chondrosarcomas start in?

Answer 3

Chondrosarcomas start in early forms of cartilage cells.

Question 4

How common are chondrosarcomas among primary bone cancers?

Answer 4

Chondrosarcomas are the second most common primary bone cancer.

Question 5

What is the age demographic for chondrosarcoma?

Answer 5

Chondrosarcoma is rare in people younger than 20, with increased risk as age increases.

Question 6

What is the mean age of patients diagnosed with chondrosarcoma?

Answer 6

The mean age of patients diagnosed with chondrosarcoma is 60 years.

Question 7

Is the incidence rate of chondrosarcoma different between genders?

Answer 7

The overall incidence rate among men and women has been reported to be equal.

Question 8

Where are chondrosarcomas typically found?

Answer 8

Chondrosarcomas are typically found in the pelvis and femur, but can also involve the shoulder girdle and proximal humerus.

Question 9

What is the most common presenting symptom of Chondrosarcoma?

Answer 9

Pain

Question 10

What imaging techniques are used for the detection and diagnosis of Chondrosarcoma?

Answer 10

X-ray, CT, MRI, PET scan

Question 11

What is needed to confirm the pathologic diagnosis of Chondrosarcoma?

Answer 11

Biopsy

Question 12

What is the histologic grade range for Chondrosarcomas?

Answer 12

1 to 3

Question 13

What factors are important in establishing the histologic grade of Chondrosarcomas?

Answer 13

The degree of cellularity and rate of mitosis

Question 14

What type of Chondrosarcomas may be classified as low grade?

Answer 14

Clear cell or juxtacortical chondrosarcomas

Question 15

What are mesenchymal chondrosarcomas usually associated with?

Answer 15

Higher grade and are usually undifferentiated

Question 16

Where do Chondrosarcomas usually metastasize?

Answer 16

To the lungs

Question 17

What is the primary method of treatment for Chondrosarcoma?

Answer 17

Surgery, which includes removal of the entire mass with adequate bone and soft tissue margins. Total resection is often difficult.

Question 18

What is the effect of chemotherapy on Chondrosarcoma?

Answer 18

Chemotherapy does not appear to have any substantial effect on the disease.

Question 19

Is radiation therapy usually part of the treatment for Chondrosarcoma?

Answer 19

No, it is not usually part of the treatment due to the radioresistant qualities of this type of tumor.

Question 20

When is radiation therapy used in Chondrosarcoma treatment?

Answer 20

Radiation therapy is used definitively when the tumor cannot be completely removed because of the proximity of critical structures.

Question 21

What are newer forms of treatment for Chondrosarcoma?

Answer 21

Photon-based radiosurgery and proton therapy have been used to improve tumor control rates.

Question 22

What is the preoperative dose of radiation for Chondrosarcoma?

Answer 22

20-50 Gy.

Question 23

What is the dose of radiation for unresectable tumors in Chondrosarcoma?

Answer 23

70 Gy.

Question 24

What is the most important prognostic indicator for chondrosarcoma?

Answer 24

The presence or absence of metastases at the time of diagnosis.

Question 25

How does tumor size affect prognosis in chondrosarcoma?

Answer 25

Tumor size is one of the prognostic factors considered at the time of diagnosis.

Question 26

What is the prognosis for low grade chondrosarcoma tumors?

Answer 26

Low grade tumors are locally invasive and do not tend to metastasize, making them easier to control.

Question 27

What is the prognosis for high grade chondrosarcoma tumors?

Answer 27

High grade tumors often metastasize, typically to the lungs, resulting in a poorer prognosis and more difficult tumor control.

Question 28

How does tumor location influence surgical accessibility in chondrosarcoma?

Answer 28

If the tumor is located peripherally, it is more surgically accessible.

Tumors in the pelvis, sacral area, or head and neck may not be surgically resectable.

Question 29

What is the average 5 year survival rate of chondrosarcoma?

Answer 29

78%