The following questions about Chondrosarcoma are answered in language the average person can understand. Each question is a link. Click on the question to find the answer.
1) What is Chondrosarcoma?
2) What's the difference between healthy bone and Chondrosarcoma?
3) What are the risks of developing Chondrosarcoma?
4) What are the symptoms of Chondrosarcoma?
5) What locations in the body are Chondrosarcoma tumors found?
6) Why is Chondrosarcoma so rare?
7) Where is the best place to go to receive appropriate treatment?
8) What are the methods used to diagnose Chondrosarcoma?
9) What does "tumor staging" mean in Chondrosarcoma?
10) What are the different kinds of Chondrosarcoma?
11) What are the chances for recurrence, remission, cure and survival?
12) What would happen if no surgery is done to remove the Chondrosarcoma tumor?
13) Why are radiation and chemotherapy ineffective for Chondrosarcoma?
14) What are the possible long term effects of Chondrosarcoma Treatment?
15) Where can I find a support group of others diagnosed with Chondrosarcoma?
16) Are there any alternative methods of treatment known to be successful in curing chondrosarcoma?
17) Who is the long term Chondrosarcoma survivor who created this site?
18) Can I read other patient's stories here?
The information provided is from a layperson's understanding. It is important to check out the facts for yourself with your medical care team.
This site is being maintained by a patient who has survived Chondrosarcoma. I am not a physician. I have no medical professional degree. I am an average person, a patient, who has long term survival, and no recurrence of Chondrosarcoma for many years.
I have learned many things along the way about Chondrosarcoma. I am sharing here what I have learned, and providing as much appropriate information as possible to the best of my ability, and understanding in words the average person can comprehend.
It can be very confusing to research Chondrosarcoma on the internet. There are so many kinds of Sarcoma, and one can get confused sorting out the facts. Over the years, some of my doctors have taught me a great deal. I have attended college courses, including pre-med. I have learned how to do appropriate research on how to find authentic, peer reviewed scientific articles on Chondrosarcoma. I hope to save others from having to spend their lives trying to learn about Chondrosarcoma on their own.
If I can help just one person to get through their experience with Chondrosarcoma, then all my years of going through it alone, and never knowing another soul with the same diagnosis, will have been worth it.
The most valuable lesson I learned from my experiences with Chondrosarcoma? It is imperative to ask questions, get answers, then ask more questions and get more answers. Also, go for a second opinion if necessary, with those most qualified to make the diagnosis and treatment.
Doing this bothered me at first. I wasn't used to questioning doctors and insisting on answers, but it was worth it to be a little uncomfortable. After all, it was my life and my health at stake.
*Note: Chondrosarcoma in English, is pronounced ( KAHN - dro - sar - KO - ma )
