Chondrosarcoma

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of chondrosarcoma is made through the following methods:

• Medical history and physical examination: The symptoms of the patient are required to be thoroughly evaluated to rule out the presence of any other disease of the bones. The patients are asked about the development, duration, and progression of the symptoms to identify if the symptoms are due to chondrosarcoma (as chondrosarcoma is a slow-progressing disease). The medical history, age and gender of the patient is also evaluated, as the disease is commonly diagnosed in men above the age of 50 years. In addition, certain genetic conditions, such as multiple exostoses, cause several noncancerous osteochondromas.
• Blood tests: Blood tests provide useful information about the overall health of the body. The liver function tests and kidney function tests help diagnose the tumor's spread to the liver and kidney, respectively. Further, there is an elevated serum alkaline phosphatase level in patients with chondrosarcoma. Several blood biomarkers such as adiponectin, leptin, VEGF-C, and VEGF-A also help in screening chondrosarcoma.
• Preliminary radiography: Preliminary radiography is the initial imaging tests performed to determine the overall health of the affected tissues. The X-rays are performed to detect the presence of swelling and the size of the lump in the bones or the surrounding soft tissues. In addition, X-rays help determine the alterations in bone structure and guide the oncologists in recommending further advanced imaging tests to the patients.
• Magnetic resonance imaging: MRI provides important information about the anatomical variations of the affected site. The technique also detects the spread of chondrosarcoma to other body organs and lymph nodes.
• Computed tomography: Computed tomography takes images of the affected bone in different slices through X-rays. These images are then superimposed into the computer to create detailed 3D images of the organ. Computed tomography helps in revealing the bone matrix calcification, cortical breach, and endosteal scalloping (bone resorption of the cortical layer) of the affected bone.
• Bone scan: A bone scan is performed to detect abnormalities in the bone. During a bone scan, a radionuclide is injected into the vessels. The abnormal cells of the chondrosarcomas demonstrate high uptake of radionuclides, as shown through bone scintigraphy.
• Chest X-ray: Several patients develop lung metastasis of chondrosarcomas. Therefore, patients diagnosed with chondrosarcomas are recommended to undergo a chest x-ray to rule out the spread of disease to the lungs and other organs of the thoracic cavity.
• PET scan: In the PET scan, the radioactive sugar derivative is injected into the vessels. The patients then undergo complete body scanning to trace the radioactive sugar. Accumulation of radioactive sugar at a particular site indicates tissue abnormality. The procedure determines the spread of chondrosarcoma to various organs or lymph nodes.
• EOS imaging: EOS imaging involves using ultra-low-dose radiations to obtain high-quality images. The procedure is generally used in children to reduce side effects due to radiation exposure. In addition, EOS imaging assists oncologists in developing appropriate treatment plans based on the severity of musculoskeletal disorders.
• Biopsy: If the imaging tests provide convincing evidence about the presence of chondrosarcoma or other bone-related tumors, the patients are advised for a biopsy. The results of biopsy help differentiate different bone cancers and between benign and malignant bone tumors. A biopsy involves taking a sample of abnormal tissue and examining them under the microscope for the presence of cancer cells.