This information is about chondrosarcoma in teenagers and young adults. 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 children, and in adults.
What is chondrosarcoma?
Chondrosarcoma is a type of bone sarcoma, also known as bone cancer. Chondrosarcoma in young people makes up less than 5% of cases, meaning it’s very rare.
In teenagers and young adults, chondrosarcoma usually happens in the:
- thigh bone (femur)
- upper arm (humerus)
- pelvis
- shoulder blade (scapula)
- ribs.
Symptoms of chondrosarcoma
Symptoms of chondrosarcoma in teenagers and young adults depend on the size and location of the tumour.
You may have:
- bone pain, particularly at night
- a lump or swelling in the affected area
- weakness in a limb
- difficulty moving a joint
- fractures in the affected bone, in rare cases.
These symptoms can sometimes be mistaken for other conditions, like sports injuries or growing pains. If you have ongoing bone pain, swelling, or symptoms that do not improve, contact your GP.
Diagnosing chondrosarcoma
If your GP thinks that you have chondrosarcoma, they should refer you to a specialist centre or hospital for further tests.
You will have a physical examination at the specialist centre or hospital. You may also have a blood test to check your general health.
You may have an X-ray of the bone that’s causing the pain. X-rays are often used to diagnose a bone tumour.
You might also have other tests, which you can find out about on our tests and scans information.
Treating chondrosarcoma
If you’re aged 16-19, you may have treatment at a Principal Treatment Centre (PTC) that specialises in treating teenagers.
If you’re aged 19 to 24, you will be given a choice about where you have treatment. We have more information about where treatment for teenagers and young adults takes place.
Treatment depends on the size and location of the tumour.
Surgery for teenagers and young adults
If you have chondrosarcoma in your arm or leg, your surgeon will aim to remove the tumour and reconstruct the limb. This is called limb-sparing surgery.
During limb-sparing surgery, your surgeon will remove the tumour and take out an area of healthy tissue surrounding it. This is known as taking a margin. You might have some of the bone replaced with a bone graft, which uses bone from another part of the body or a donor. You may also have a metal implant.
It’s not always possible to have limb-sparing surgery. If your chondrosarcoma has spread to nerves and blood vessels, you may need to have the limb partly or fully amputated.
Your doctor will explain your surgery options to you.
Chemotherapy for teenagers and young adults
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 doctor will let you know if you need chemotherapy.
Radiotherapy for teenagers and young adults
Radiotherapy uses high-energy radiation beams to destroy cancer cells.
Radiotherapy is not generally used for chondrosarcoma. However, if the cancer has spread to soft tissue, you may have radiotherapy.
After treatment
Many young people with osteosarcoma respond well to treatment and can be cured. If you’re still growing, you may need to have surgery to lengthen your limb. You will have regular check-ups and X-rays at an orthopaedic specialist centre. You should also have rehabilitation after surgery.
Recurrence
Sometimes, chondrosarcoma can come back in the same place it was found originally. This is called a local recurrence. A recurrence of cancer may appear in other parts of the body, too. This is called a metastasis or secondary cancer.
With chondrosarcoma, secondary cancer can appear in the lungs. You will have chest X-rays during follow-up care to look for secondary cancers in the lung.
If you have questions or are waiting for tests, you can contact our Support Line for information and support.
Living with chondrosarcoma
Living with chondrosarcoma can be difficult. We have support to help you with your mental health, physical health, and we also have information about financial support. No matter what you’re worried about, we’re here to support 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.
- Teenage Cancer Trust: The Teenage Cancer Trust have cancer units in hospitals across the country, specifically for people aged 16-24.
- 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.
- Shine Cancer Support: Shine Cancer Support is a charity connecting people with cancer experience. This is through online programmes and in-person support groups. They support people in their 20s, 30s, and 40s.
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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
