The document discusses chondrosarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer. It begins by explaining how cancer was once a dreaded word that caused shame and fear. It then defines chondrosarcoma and explains that it arises from cartilage tissue found between bones. Common symptoms include pain, and it is most often diagnosed in adults aged 30-70 through various scans and biopsies. Current treatments include surgery, radiation therapy, and cryosurgery. Survival rates vary depending on the grade of the cancer. While cancer remains difficult to hear, advances in treatment and awareness have improved quality of life and given hope.

1. THE “C”-WORD
BY
BRIDGET S. McCLAREY

2. There was a time when this word held such a tight grip on people’s views, conduct and
emotional well being. It was as though society was plagued with the daunting realization that things
were no longer as they seem. Dignity was nearly lost. The very notion of mentioning the word around
family or friends evoked shame and fear of the ultimate embarrassment due the one daring enough to
part his lips. Yes, it is the word that for decades sent a chill through the spines of many. It is the highly
dreaded and unanticipated word. It is the C-Word…. It is Cancer. At present there are many variations of
this disease. Among which is the rare form of bone cancer known as Chondrosarcoma.
Chondrosarcoma-(noun) kan-dro-sar-‘ko-me : A Sarcoma containing cartilage cells rarely arising as a
primary tumor but more frequently developing as a secondary growth by malignant degeneration of a
Chondroma (Webster, 2013). How does it come about and present itself? How and to whom is it
normally diagnosed? And is there any hope for those directly affected by it?
Generally speaking, bone cancer begins in any type of bone tissue. Chondrosarcoma in particular
rears its head within cartilaginous tissue. It is a cartilage producing tumor. Cartilage is a substance found
in between bones and lining the joints that help hold our skeletal system in place. This helps to prevent
the ware and tear of our bones due to excessive rubbing and bruising that would be experienced
without our bodies’ proper padding. It is clear then how powerful the influence of this cancer can have
on an individual’s health. Researchers have discovered many factors that heighten the chances of
developing this type of bone cancer. One cause is the high level of radiation that individuals already
undergoing some sort of cancer treatment may be exposed to (National Cancer Institute at the National
Institutes of Health, 2008). For some it could be the outworking of genetics through the inheritance of a
family’s plight. Still others who have undergone surgical procedures involving the implanting of metal
are more likely to develop Chondrosarcoma. The grade of the tumor is what usually determines how it
will present itself. For instance, tremendous pain is likely to be associated with a high-grade or fast
growing tumor. As opposed to lesser affects such as pain in the hip and swelling that is connected to a
low-grade. That being said, within bone cancer the most common symptom is pain.
Furthermore, to assist with diagnosis doctors may order an examination by use of various
avenues such as blood tests, x-rays, bone scans, CT scans, MRIs, PET scans, and biopsies. Blood tests
determine the level of the enzyme alkaline phosphatase. This is found in huge amounts when a disease
causes production of abnormal bone tissue (National Cancer Institute at the National Institutes of
Health, 2008). X-rays can show the location, structure and size of a tumor and if such suggest that a
growth may be cancerous then further action is initiated. Bone scans test by means of detection of
radioactive injections. CT scans provide an inside view of the body giving detailed pictures created by a
computer connected to an x-ray machine. MRIs use powerful magnetic forces to create distinct images
within the body without the use of x-rays. Pet scans, similar to bone scans, allow for computerized
pictures to be shown as radioactive fluids are injected into the patient. And last but not least are
biopsies. In this procedure tissue is actually removed as a sample from the bone tumor in order to
dictate if it is cancerous or not. Of course family medical history plays a key role in these verdicts. This
type of bone cancer is found mainly in adults aged thirty to seventy years of age and it is estimated that

3. Chondrosarcoma has a male to female ratio of 1.5 to 1. (National Cancer Institute at the National
Institutes of Health, 2008).
Currently, there are treatment options available to those who suffer from this disease. These
consist of surgery, radiation therapy, and cryosurgery. For those looking for immediate relief with less
side affects surgery could prove to be the better option. In this case the role of chemotherapy or
radiation is very limited. So it is imperative that plans with future excision be kept in mind
(Chondrosarcoma Tumors of Cartilage, 2013). It is noted that due to technological advances related to
surgical procedures and methods greater number of patients who have the cancer in a limb are able to
have their arms or legs spared from complete removal (National Cancer Institute at the National
Institutes of Health, 2008). Often used in combination with surgery, Radiation therapy uses high energy
x-rays to kill cancer cells. And Cryosurgery too hits high marks in its ability to eliminate Chondrosarcoma.
In this case liquid nitrogen is used to freeze and kill cancerous cells which ultimately destroy the tumor.
However, much like the measure of affects this ailment has on an individual, survival rates after
treatment vary depending on the grades of the disease. For those with low grades of Chondrosarcoma
the rate is expected to be excellent. The rates for patients with high grades depends on where the
cancerous tumor is located, how large it is and the stage of the tumor.
Ultimately, cancer is the last word anyone wants to hear concerning their prognosis. The stigma
associated with it has left definite residual affects. Its very pronunciation may illicit negative feeling s. It
has been despised, feared and reluctantly accepted. But those were the days of ignorance. Those were
the days when no one dared to shine a light on awareness, treatment and possibilities of a cure.
However, all is not lost when certain measures to alleviate the effects on the body are taken advantage
of. Cancer may prove to be a medical mystery at present but the quality of life of its sufferers will
undeniably prove to be a motivating force behind new treatments, studies and the quest for relief of
that which plagues all of mankind today; that being sickness as a whole. But it is not at all hopeless to
endure. Now with the passing of time and modern innovations, its reputation and fearful impediments
have met with a new attitude. Fortitude is the fresh face of this generation. And infamy is now a thing of
the past.
Works Cited
Chondrosarcoma Tumors of Cartilage. (2013, June 24). Retrieved from Bonetumor.org:
http://www.bonetumor.org/tumors-cartilage/chondrosarcoma
National Cancer Institute at the National Institutes of Health. (2008, March 13). Retrieved from National
Cancer Institute Fact Sheet: http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Sites-Types/bone
Webster, M. (2013, June 27). Chondrosarcoma. Retrieved from Merriam-Webster.com:
http://www.merriam-webster.com/medical/chondrosarcoma