Chondrosarcoma

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)

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 have 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)
• increased pain with activity or lifting
• limping
• decreased movement of the affected limb
• urinary frequency or obstruction (in pelvic tumors)