Hand Chondrosarcoma: Clinical Case Report

Abstract

Chondrosarcoma is a malignant cartilaginous tumor usually located in the pelvis, spine, and long bones. Only 1.5% of chondrosarcomas occur in the hand, frequently in the phalanges. They can be primary or secondary, depending on whether its origin is a normal bone or a pre-existing cartilaginous lesion, which is more frequent in the hand. We present a 70-year-old female patient, painter, and pianist who presented a 5-month-old increased volume and pain at a preexistent pinky tumor. Physical examination showed a volume increase of stony consistency affecting the base and the proximal third of the proximal phalanx with no mobility or neurovascular abnormalities. Radiological studies, complemented by magnetic resonance imaging, showed an insufflating lesion with cortical thinning and soft tissue calcification. The case was presented to the Oncology Committee, which studied the tumor dissemination and performed a wide excision. An anatomopathological study showed a chondrosarcoma with free margins. Three months after surgery, the patient resumed her musical activity with no evidence of recurrence or metastasis to date. Determining whether a chondroid tumor is benign or malignant is essential for prognosis and treatment. In addition, it is critical to combine clinical symptoms with imaging and histological findings. As this tumor is neither radiosensitive nor chemosensitive, wide excision with negative margins is a treatment option seeking to preserve life over function and aesthetics. The recurrence rate is variable, reaching up to 60%. Therefore, despite the low risk of malignancy, it is advisable to follow up on these lesions both clinically and radiologically.

Keywords

malignant cartilage tumor - chondrosarcoma - hand chondrosarcoma

Publication History

Received: 24 January 2023

Accepted: 30 November 2023

Article published online:
26 December 2023

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