The etiology of chondrosarcoma is unknown. Usually a tumor of older age groups. Approximately twice as common in men as in women. No racial preferences have been noted.
Tumors exhibit features of cartilage, including abundant ground substance and chondrocytes.
Areas of calcification, necrosis and hemorrhage are seen in rapidly growing tumors. Myxoid variants exhibit a viscous and gelatinous consistency. Cellular atypia increases with poorly differentiated tumors. Grade 1 tumors resemble normal cartilage closely, with little deviation from normal histology. Grade 3 tumors can show considerable cellular atypia.