Chondrosarcoma

Overview

Chondrosarcoma (kon-dro-sahr-KO-muh) is a type of cancer that begins in the bone (primary bone cancer). Chondrosarcoma cells produce cartilage as they invade the bone. Less commonly, chondrosarcomas can arise outside the bone, usually within adjacent muscles. Although bone cancer is rare, chondrosarcoma is the second most common type of bone cancer, after osteosarcoma. Chondrosarcoma tumors typically develop in the pelvis, legs or shoulders of adults over 40.

Why choose Mayo Clinic for chondrosarcoma

• Experience. Because chondrosarcoma tumors are rare, not all doctors are experienced in treating them. Doctors at Mayo Clinic have treated more than a thousand patients who have chondrosarcomas.
• Expertise and team approach. Your multidisciplinary team of experts may include orthopedic oncologists (orthopedic surgeons who specialize in bone and soft tissue tumors), plastic surgeons, vascular surgeons, rehabilitation experts, medical and radiation oncologists, and other specialists as needed.
• Newest technology. Mayo makes extensive use of the newest technology to improve chances for positive outcomes. Advanced surgical navigation systems (which include computers, infrared cameras and navigation instruments) allow doctors to remove these tumors while sparing nearby nerves, blood vessels and healthy bone. Collaboration between tumor and reconstruction surgeons with new surgical implants helps avoid amputations in most cases and maximize function of the limb.
• Comprehensive cancer center. The Mayo Clinic Cancer Center receives funding from the National Cancer Institute and is designated as a comprehensive cancer center — a recognition for an institution's scientific excellence in research and multidisciplinary resources that are focused on cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment.

Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., and in Jacksonville, Fla., are ranked among the Best Hospitals for cancer by U.S. News & World Report.

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