In this paper we present five new cases and review sixty-one reported
cases of extra-osseous chondrosarcoma. The lesion has a predilection for
middle-aged men and for localization in the extremities. The mild and
delayed nature of the symptoms contributes to delayed or inadequate
treatment and an unusually high over-all recurrence rate of 50 per cent. En
bloc resection is the treatment of choice. Amputation should be reserved
for large tumors with extensive or intra-articular invasion, osseous
erosion, or major neurovascular involvement. Pulmonary lobectomy appears to
be effective in treating localized pulmonary metastasis. Chemotherapy and
radiotherapy can also provide palliative benefits to patients with
widespread metastases. Nearly all (77.8 per cent) of the known
disease-related fatalities took place during the first year after operation
on the primary tumor. The over-all five-year survival rate most likely is
less than 81.2 per cent.