WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF CHONDROSARCOMA?

The first symptom may be a solid mass or lump. Pain is often a common symptom of chondrosarcoma. Although some patients do not experience pain and their tumor is discovered quite by accident. 

Often, chondrosarcoma is overlooked as a possible diagnosis. Many months may go by before it is discovered. This is unfortunately normal unless scans are done in the beginning of the process of diagnosis.

Symptoms of chondrosarcoma may vary depending on the location and size of the cancer. If the mass interferes with a function of the body, it may cause other feelings such as pressure against other organs in the area of location. Tumors that occur in or near joints may cause swelling or tenderness in the affected area and interfere with normal movements and can weaken the bones, occasionally leading to a fracture.Often chondrosarcoma goes undiagnosed or misdiagnosed at first because the symptoms can mimic other conditions. There can be sciatic-like pain if located in the pelvis or thighs. Nerve damage or vascular compromise can occur when a tumor is pressing on them, too.

The primary symptoms of chondrosarcoma do NOT cause symptoms of fever, fatigue, hair loss, weight loss, or night sweats the way that some other cancers do. These type of symptoms may develop if the chondrosarcoma patient goes through chemo or radiation, which is rare. 

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What would happen if no surgery is done to remove chondrosarcoma?

Chondrosarcoma will continue to grow and become more aggressive, the longer it is left in the body. Depending on the location in the body, it can cause considerable problems with other organs. Chondrosarcoma on the rib cage, for example, can grow to the point of puncturing a lung or causing problems with the heart. Chondrosarcoma in long bone, such as a leg or arms, can eventually cause spontaneous fracture. Chondrosarcoma located close to the joints can cause separation of the joints. Untreated chondrosarcoma can cause tears in muscle or ligaments, cause severe nerve damage with numbness or prevent blood from flowing properly through the vasculature resulting in clotting or crippling. Untreated Chondrosarcoma, depending on the staging, can be so aggressive as to cause death.