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Chondrosarcoma is a type of malignant bone tumor caused by abnormal proliferation of cartilage cells. It mainly occurs in middle-aged and elderly individuals, particularly those over 40 years old. The tumor grows slowly but is highly invasive, gradually destroying bone structure and impairing normal function. Advanced patients are prone to distant metastasis, which poses a serious threat to life.
Globally, the incidence of chondrosarcoma is relatively low. In Europe and the United States, more cases are reported due to advanced diagnostic equipment, while in Southeast Asian countries such as Malaysia, the Philippines, and Thailand, incidence has also been rising yearly. The disease significantly affects patients’ quality of life, and without timely treatment, it often leads to disability or even death.
Stage I: Localized stage
At this stage, the tumor is confined to the primary cartilage tissue without invading surrounding structures. Patients usually have no obvious symptoms or only mild discomfort. Treatment outcomes are favorable, with a 5-year survival rate above 75%. Early detection is extremely important.
Stage II: Local spread stage
The tumor begins to invade adjacent soft tissues or bones, causing significant pain and swelling. Treatment becomes more challenging and requires surgery combined with radiotherapy. The 5-year survival rate drops to about 55%, with worse prognosis compared to stage I.
Stage III: Regional metastasis stage
Cancer cells spread to nearby lymph nodes, making the disease more complex. Patients often present systemic symptoms, and treatment needs to be more comprehensive but with limited effect. The 5-year survival rate further decreases to about 35%, with significantly increased risk.
Stage IV: Distant metastasis stage
The tumor has metastasized distantly, most commonly to the lungs. Patients suffer from breathing difficulties and persistent pain. The treatment goal shifts to symptom relief and life extension, with a 5-year survival rate below 15%, marking a high-risk late stage.
1. Persistent dull pain
Chondrosarcoma initially presents as persistent localized dull pain, often worsening at night. In early stages, it is frequently misdiagnosed as arthritis or sports injury, leading to delayed diagnosis.
2. Significant swelling
As the tumor grows, noticeable swelling appears at the affected site. The mass enlarges, skin overlying becomes tight, and swelling may interfere with normal movement, limiting daily activities.
3. Joint stiffness and limited mobility
Tumor invasion into nearby joints reduces range of motion, causing stiffness and difficulty in walking or carrying objects.
4. Increased tenderness and pain on pressure
When touching the affected area, patients feel obvious tenderness, sometimes accompanied by skin redness and warmth, suggesting local inflammation and tumor infiltration.
5. Bone destruction symptoms
The tumor destroys bone structure, leading to severe bone pain and pathological fractures, particularly in weight-bearing sites.
6. Fatigue and systemic symptoms
Some patients develop fatigue, loss of appetite, and weight loss, indicating heavy tumor burden or metastasis, requiring prompt attention.
7. Skin ulcers and infection
In advanced stages, tumor ulceration may occur, causing open wounds on the skin surface that are prone to infection and slow healing, sometimes requiring surgical intervention.
8. Enlarged lymph nodes
When the tumor metastasizes to lymph nodes, enlarged nodes may be palpable, often with tenderness, suggesting regional lymphatic spread.
9. Breathing difficulties and cough
In late-stage chondrosarcoma, lung metastasis often occurs, leading to persistent cough, shortness of breath, and chest pain. Timely imaging of the lungs is necessary for evaluation.
Experts at United Life International Medical Center emphasize that although chondrosarcoma has a relatively low incidence, it carries high risks of invasiveness and metastasis. Early diagnosis and standardized treatment are key to survival. Immune reconstruction cell therapy, as a novel treatment, offers new hope for patients by effectively enhancing immune function and delaying disease progression. High-risk individuals are advised to undergo regular checkups for early detection and treatment, improving prognosis and quality of life.
