Clear cell chondrosarcoma

Clear cell chondrosarcoma is a rare subtype of chondrosarcoma, which is a type of bone cancer that originates in the cartilage. This type of cancer is characterized by its clear cells when viewed under a microscope.

Epidemiology

Clear cell chondrosarcoma accounts for approximately 2% of all chondrosarcomas. It is most commonly diagnosed in adults between the ages of 20 and 50, with a slight male predominance.

Pathology

The hallmark of clear cell chondrosarcoma is the presence of clear cells in the tumor. These cells have a clear appearance because they contain a large amount of glycogen, which is dissolved during the preparation of the tissue for microscopic examination. The clear cells are typically surrounded by a dense network of extracellular matrix that is rich in collagen and proteoglycans, which are characteristic of cartilage.

Clinical Presentation

Patients with clear cell chondrosarcoma often present with pain and swelling in the affected bone. The most common sites of involvement are the femur (thigh bone) and humerus (upper arm bone), although any bone can be affected.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of clear cell chondrosarcoma is typically made by a combination of radiographic imaging and histopathologic examination of a biopsy specimen. On imaging, clear cell chondrosarcoma often appears as a well-defined, lytic lesion in the epiphysis or metaphysis of a long bone. The diagnosis is confirmed by the presence of clear cells in the biopsy specimen.

Treatment

The treatment of clear cell chondrosarcoma typically involves surgical removal of the tumor. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy are generally not effective for this type of cancer. The prognosis for patients with clear cell chondrosarcoma is generally better than for other types of chondrosarcoma, with a 5-year survival rate of approximately 80%.

See Also

• Chondrosarcoma
• Bone cancer
• Cartilage

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