Treatment of bone cancers is complex and involves a team of different specialists usually within an institution that is experienced in treating these types of cancers. Surgery is often used to remove the primary tumour. For tumours of the arms and legs an amputation of the limb is sometimes necessary, however, limb-sparing surgery may be possible in many cases where only the cancerous part of the bone is removed and it is replaced by a bone graft or metal prosthesis. Radiotherapy may be given as well as or instead of surgery to destroy the cancer cells. Chondrosarcoma is a type of cancer arising in cartilage cells.
Cartilage is a tough flexible material that covers the joints of the bones.
It allows the bones to move freely at the joints and prevents the bones from grinding against each other. As well as being found in the cartilage, chondrosarcoma can also grow within a bone or on the surface of a bone. The most common sites of disease are the pelvis, ribs and upper thigh, the tumour is rarely found below the knees or below the elbows. The most common sites of MFH are the legs and arms. Treatment is often similar to that given for osteosarcoma.