WHAT IS TUMOR STAGING FOR CHONDROSARCOMA?

Once chondrosarcoma is found, biopsy tests will be done to find out if the cancer cells have spread to other parts of the body. This is called staging. The doctor needs to know the stage of the cancer in order to plan treatment.



There are several staging systems for chondrosarcoma, but no single staging system applies to all types of this cancer. The treatment options in this summary are based on whether the cancer has spread or the amount of tumor left after surgery. The general non specific stages of chondrosarcoma are non-metastatic, metastatic, and recurrent.
 
Treatment by stage
If the Chondrosarcoma is stage I or II the treatment option may simply be surgery to remove all of the cancer. Patients may undergo close monitoring with CT scans on a regular basis to be sure the tumor does not place any vital organs in danger, or if complete removal of the tumor is not possible, or if the tumor comes back following surgery. Sometimes a second operation must be done to be sure that all the tumor has been removed, or if the tumor comes back following treatment. No recurrence of tumor after five years is considered to be cured. 


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What are the long term physical effects of Chondrosarcoma Treatment?

Sometimes chondrosarcoma grows near nerves or tendons and press on them. Surgical removal of the tumor is imperative so damage won't occur to the nearby structures.Due to the necessity of complete removal of chondrosarcoma to prevent metastasis a large amount of body tissue may be affected, including possible partial amputation. Improvements in proper medical care for chondrosarcoma patients often include limb-sparing techniques which may prevent such outcomes. Other possible long term effects of chondrosarcoma are:
Healing and Recovery
A return to as good health

Pain
Scars
Deformity
Nerve damage
Early onset of Degenerative Osteoarthritis
Bio-mechanical and musculoskeletal problems
Depression
Post Traumatic Syndrome