This information is about chondrosarcoma in children. It includes how it’s diagnosed and treated, as well as information on the different types of chondrosarcoma.
We also have information about chondrosarcoma in adults, and in teenagers and young adults.
What is chondrosarcoma?
Chondrosarcoma is a type of bone sarcoma, also known as bone cancer. Chondrosarcoma in children and young people makes up less than 5% of cases, meaning it’s very rare.
If you are worried about your child’s symptoms or tests, it is normal to feel anxious. The Sarcoma UK Support Line is available to talk through any questions you have.
In children, chondrosarcoma usually occurs in the:
- thigh bone (femur)
- upper arm (humerus)
- pelvis
- shoulder blade (scapula)
- ribs.
Symptoms of chondrosarcoma in children
The symptoms of chondrosarcoma in children depend on the size and location of the tumour.
Your child might have:
- bone pain, especially at night
- a lump or swelling
- difficulty moving a joint.
Diagnosing chondrosarcoma in children
If your child’s GP thinks your child might have a chondrosarcoma, they will refer your child to a specialist centre or hospital for further tests.
Your child will have a physical examination at the specialist centre or hospital. They may also have a blood test to check their general health. They may also have an X-ray of the bone that is in pain, which is often used to diagnose a bone tumour.
They might also need other tests, which you can find out about on our tests and scans information.
Treating chondrosarcoma in children
Your child will have treatment at a Principal Treatment Centre (PTC) that specialises in treating children with cancer. Your child’s treatment will be planned by a specialist team who will explain everything to you. If you do have more questions, you can always call our Support Line team.
We have more information about your child’s clinical team.
Surgery for children
Surgery is the main treatment for most chondrosarcomas.
If your child has chondrosarcoma in their arm or leg, the surgeon will try to save the limb. This is called limb-sparing surgery.
During limb-sparing surgery, the surgeon will remove the tumour and take out an area of healthy tissue surrounding it. This is known as taking a margin. Your child might have some of the bone replaced with a bone graft, which uses bone from another part of the body or a donor.
It’s not always possible to have limb-sparing surgery. If your child’s chondrosarcoma has spread to nerves and blood vessels, they may need to have the limb partly or fully amputated. Your child’s doctor will discuss their options with you.
Chemotherapy for children
Chemotherapy uses anti-cancer drugs to destroy cancer cells.
It is sometimes used:
- before surgery to reduce the size of the tumour
- after surgery to kill off any remaining local cancer cells.
Your child’s doctor will let you know if they need chemotherapy.
Radiotherapy for children
Radiotherapy uses high-energy radiation beams to destroy cancer cells.
Radiotherapy is not generally used for chondrosarcoma. However, if your child’s cancer has spread to soft tissue, they may have radiotherapy.
After treatment
Many children with chondrosarcoma respond well to treatment and can be cured, although they may need to have surgery to lengthen their limb as they grow. They will have regular check-ups and X-rays at an orthopaedic specialist centre.
Recurrence
Sometimes, chondrosarcoma can come back in the same place it was found originally. This is called a local recurrence. Cancer can also come back in other parts of the body, too. This is called a metastasis or secondary cancer.
With chondrosarcoma, secondary cancer can appear in the lungs. This is why your child may have chest X-rays during follow-up care.
Living with a child with chondrosarcoma
Living with a child with chondrosarcoma can be difficult. We have support for parents of children with sarcoma, and we also have information about financial support. No matter what you’re worried about, we’re here for you.
If you have any more questions about chondrosarcoma, or if you need to talk to someone, our Support Line team are here for you.
More support
Call the Sarcoma UK Support Line
The Sarcoma UK Support Line is here for every person affected by sarcoma. Get in touch for friendly, expert, confidential and free advice on anything to do with sarcoma.
Support groups
There are a number of sarcoma support groups across the UK. We have more information about support groups available online and in your local area.
Other charities
- Bone Cancer Research Trust: The BCRT offers support for people with primary bone cancer. They have health information and support available.
- Children with Cancer UK: Provides support and information for parents, including support for coping with cancer.
- Maggie’s: Maggie’s is a charity that offers advice and support for adults and young people living with cancer.
- Penny Brohn: Penny Brohn has a lot of support for people who have just been diagnosed or are living with cancer. This includes resources, online sessions, and counselling.
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Last reviewed April 2026 | Next review due April 2029
All references are available upon request. Please email info@sarcoma.org.uk
