Chondrosarcoma: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Achuta Uppu, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Chondrosarcoma?
An orthopaedic oncologist, a surgeon who treats bone tumors, usually treats chondrosarcoma. Your primary care or family medicine doctor can refer you to one. A radiologist, who reads scans, and a pathologist, who studies tissue samples, also help. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is chondrosarcoma?
Chondrosarcoma is a cancerous bone tumor. It is made of cells that produce cartilage. Cartilage is the firm, smooth tissue that covers the ends of bones to give our joints motion. It can develop in any bone, but it is most often found in the pelvis, ribs, arms, or legs. It is rare, with fewer than 2,000 new cases diagnosed in the U.S. each year. It is the most common bone cancer that starts in the bone in adults. It usually occurs in people over age 40.
The most common type is called conventional chondrosarcoma, and it usually grows very slowly. Rare subtypes may grow faster and may spread to other parts of the body.
Symptoms
Symptoms depend on where the tumor is growing. Common symptoms include:
- Pain that gradually gets worse over time.
- Pain that is constant, not relieved with rest, and often worse at night.
- Sometimes, a mass that grows over time.
- Possibly, swelling of the limb.
- Pain and weakness in the limb when the tumor is in an arm or leg.
Causes and who gets it
For most primary chondrosarcomas, there is no known cause or risk factor. A small group of people have a higher risk because of another disease. These are multiple hereditary exostosis, Ollier disease, and Maffucci syndrome.
Some chondrosarcomas grow from noncancerous bone tumors, such as an enchondroma or an osteochondroma. These are called secondary chondrosarcomas. This happens in less than 1% of single enchondromas and osteochondromas. About 10% of people with multiple hereditary exostosis and 25% of people with Ollier disease will develop a secondary chondrosarcoma.
How doctors diagnose it
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history and do a physical exam. Imaging usually starts with X-rays. Your doctor may also order an MRI or CT scan. An X-ray of a chondrosarcoma can show bone damage, a large soft tissue mass, and possibly a broken bone.
A biopsy may be recommended for a suspected chondrosarcoma. A doctor takes a small sample of the tumor with a needle. A pathologist, a doctor who studies tissue, looks at the cells under a microscope. After diagnosis, doctors check for spread. The lungs are the most common place for chondrosarcoma to spread, so they use a chest CT. A PET CT scan or a bone scan can look for spread elsewhere in the body.
Treatment
Treatment depends on your age, your health, the tumor's location, and whether it has spread. Most are treated with surgery alone. The surgeon removes all of the bone with cancer, plus a border of healthy tissue around the tumor. NCI notes that small conventional chondrosarcomas can be cured with surgery.
Most of the time, the surgeon can save the limb. Sometimes, amputation is the best option. The surgeon can rebuild the bone with bone grafts, artificial joints, or both.
Chemotherapy (cancer-fighting drugs) and radiation therapy have not been found to help most chondrosarcomas. Cartilage cells grow slowly. Chemotherapy may be used for some subtypes, such as mesenchymal and de-differentiated types. Radiation therapy may be used when a tumor cannot be removed with surgery or when the cancer has spread. You will need regular follow-up visits after treatment.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if you have pain that does not go away with rest. Also see a doctor for pain that is often worse at night, swelling, or a large mass on the affected bone. A correct diagnosis is very important to get the right treatment.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either can examine a painful bone or lump, order first X-rays, and refer you to a bone tumor specialist. They can also help coordinate your care.
Common questions
Can chondrosarcoma be cured?
Sometimes. Small conventional chondrosarcomas can be cured with surgery. Treatment is successful for many people. Each case is different, so ask your treatment team about your own outlook.
Does chondrosarcoma need chemotherapy or radiation?
Usually not. Most chondrosarcomas are treated with surgery alone. Chemotherapy or radiation may be used for some subtypes or when surgery cannot remove the tumor.
How fast does chondrosarcoma grow?
The most common type usually grows very slowly. Rare subtypes may grow more quickly and may spread to other parts of the body.
Can a noncancerous bone tumor turn into chondrosarcoma?
Rarely. This happens in less than 1% of single enchondromas and osteochondromas. The risk is higher in people with Ollier disease, Maffucci syndrome, or multiple hereditary exostosis.
What affects the outlook for chondrosarcoma?
In most cases, the grade of the tumor is the best predictor of how a person will do after treatment. In general, the lower the grade, the better the outlook.
Sources
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons - OrthoInfo - Chondrosarcoma
- National Cancer Institute - Chondrosarcoma
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
