Chondrosarcoma of the head and neck
Disease Information
In-Depth
What causes chondrosarcoma? 
Chondrosarcoma occurs when a single abnormal cartilage cell divides out of control.
Scientists are not certain what causes this to occur, although several factors may put a person at risk:
- Ollier's disease
- Maffuci's syndrome
- Exostoses (bone growths)
As mentioned earlier, chondrosarcoma is extremely rare in children.
There is some relationship between chondrosarcoma and repeated trauma to the affected area, but it is unclear whether injury puts a person at risk for this type of cancer, or the cancer itself makes the area weaker, thus making injury more likely.
What are the symptoms of chondrosarcoma?
Each child may experience symptoms differently. Some symptoms that your child may experience include the following:
- pain (sharp or dull) at the site of the tumor
- swelling and/or redness at the site of the tumor
- enlargement or growing of a pre-existing exostosis (bone growth)
The symptoms of chondrosarcoma may resemble other conditions or medical problems. Always consult your child's physician for a diagnosis.
