Chondrosarcoma Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Understanding
Cartilage cancer or chondrosarcoma is a type of bone cancer that develops in cartilage. Usually, this cancer targets the femur, arms, hips, and knees. This type of cancer can happen to anyone, but it mostly affects people over the age of 40.
Of the various types of bone cancer that exist, as many as 30 percent of them are chondrosarcomas. In adults, the symptoms can sometimes be mistaken for arthritis. Whereas in children, the symptoms that are felt are usually misinterpreted as the impact of bone growth.
Cartilage cancer or chondrosarcoma can cause a number of complications. At an advanced stage, complications that occur can be in the form of cancer metastases which can cause interference with other organs.
Symptom
Symptoms of cartilage cancer or chondrosarcoma can vary from person to person. However, in general, the symptoms are:
- There is a lump or swelling in the area affected by cancer. Usually, the swelling is reddish in color.
- Pain in the area affected by the cancer. The pain will be worse at night.
- Sweating easily, especially at night.
- There was a drastic weight loss.
- Easily tired.
- Bones become weaker making them more susceptible to fractures or bleeding.
Reason
Until now, the cause of cartilage cancer or chondrosarcoma is not known with certainty. However, there are several conditions that are suspected as risk factors that can trigger the formation of cancer cells:
- genetic factor. Have a family with bone cancer.
- DNA changes or mutations. This can lead to the growth of cancer cells that are out of control.
- High radiation exposure due to a treatment. Chondrosarcoma is touted as one of the long-term effects of radiation on cancer.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis to determine cartilage cancer or chondrosarcoma can be done through a series of interviews. The doctor will ask about the symptoms that you are feeling. In addition, there are several supporting examinations that the doctor will carry out, namely:
- Blood test. Through this test, doctors can rule out the possibility of other diseases with symptoms that can be similar to chondrosarcoma.
- Biopsy. This examination is carried out by taking some tissue and examining it in the laboratory. Through this examination, the severity of the cancer can also be ascertained.
- X-ray. Through this examination, the doctor can determine damage or abnormal bone growth.
- CT scans. This examination was carried out with the aim of seeing the spread of chondrosarcoma to other parts.
- MRIs. The detailed bone images from this exam can help your doctor determine the severity of the chondrosarcoma.
Treatment
Treatment of cartilage cancer or chondrosarcoma is based on age, history, and the severity of the cancer. However, treatment generally includes:
- Lump removal surgery. This action is done if the cancer has not spread. The lump or part of the cartilage affected by the cancer will be removed.
- Radiotherapy. This procedure is carried out using radiation beams that are given in high doses. The goal is to slow the growth of cancer cells.
- Chemotherapy. Although not the main treatment, this therapy is mostly used in cases of chondrosarcoma that has spread to other parts. This therapy usually has side effects such as hair loss, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, and fatigue.