Chondrosarcoma Flashcards
What is chondrosarcoma?
Chondrosarcoma is a malignant tumor in cartilage.
What type of tissue does chondrosarcoma originate from?
Chondrosarcoma originates from mesenchymal (connective) tissue.
What cells do chondrosarcomas start in?
Chondrosarcomas start in early forms of cartilage cells.
How common are chondrosarcomas among primary bone cancers?
Chondrosarcomas are the second most common primary bone cancer.
What is the age demographic for chondrosarcoma?
Chondrosarcoma is rare in people younger than 20, with increased risk as age increases.
What is the mean age of patients diagnosed with chondrosarcoma?
The mean age of patients diagnosed with chondrosarcoma is 60 years.
Is the incidence rate of chondrosarcoma different between genders?
The overall incidence rate among men and women has been reported to be equal.
Where are chondrosarcomas typically found?
Chondrosarcomas are typically found in the pelvis and femur, but can also involve the shoulder girdle and proximal humerus.
What is the most common presenting symptom of Chondrosarcoma?
Pain
What imaging techniques are used for the detection and diagnosis of Chondrosarcoma?
X-ray, CT, MRI, PET scan
What is needed to confirm the pathologic diagnosis of Chondrosarcoma?
Biopsy
What is the histologic grade range for Chondrosarcomas?
1 to 3
What factors are important in establishing the histologic grade of Chondrosarcomas?
The degree of cellularity and rate of mitosis
What type of Chondrosarcomas may be classified as low grade?
Clear cell or juxtacortical chondrosarcomas
What are mesenchymal chondrosarcomas usually associated with?
Higher grade and are usually undifferentiated
Where do Chondrosarcomas usually metastasize?
To the lungs
What is the primary method of treatment for Chondrosarcoma?
Surgery, which includes removal of the entire mass with adequate bone and soft tissue margins. Total resection is often difficult.
What is the effect of chemotherapy on Chondrosarcoma?
Chemotherapy does not appear to have any substantial effect on the disease.
Is radiation therapy usually part of the treatment for Chondrosarcoma?
No, it is not usually part of the treatment due to the radioresistant qualities of this type of tumor.
When is radiation therapy used in Chondrosarcoma treatment?
Radiation therapy is used definitively when the tumor cannot be completely removed because of the proximity of critical structures.
What are newer forms of treatment for Chondrosarcoma?
Photon-based radiosurgery and proton therapy have been used to improve tumor control rates.
What is the preoperative dose of radiation for Chondrosarcoma?
20-50 Gy.
What is the dose of radiation for unresectable tumors in Chondrosarcoma?
70 Gy.
What is the most important prognostic indicator for chondrosarcoma?
The presence or absence of metastases at the time of diagnosis.
