Intracranial chondrosarcoma: a case report and review of the literature

Chondrosarcoma is a rare malignant tumor originating from cartilagenous tissue. It tends to localize in the epiphysis of long bones and pelvic bones. Only 7% of the all chondrosarcomas originate in the craniocervical region.

A 25-year-old man was admitted to our hospital with headache and dizziness. Physical examination and neurological examination were normal. Skull radiography revealed a radioopaque lesion in the right parieto-occipital region. Cranial computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging showed a mass lesion including calcification areas and homogenous contrast enhancement in the right parieto-occipital region. The tumor was removed totally by a microsurgical technique. A classical type chondrosarcoma was confirmed histopathologically. The patient was discharged with no neurological deficit.

Intracranial chondrosarcoma has been first reported by Mott in 1899. Primary intracranial chondrosarcomas, constitute only less than 0.16% of all brain tumors. Most of them are located at the skull base. The choroid plexus, dura mater and brain parenchyma are extremely rarely invaded. Meningiomas, solitary fibrous tumor, chordoma, hemangiopericytoma, metastasis and vascular malformations should be considered as differential diagnoses. Radical surgical removal of the tumor is the preferred management procedure. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy may by added as adjuvant therapy. We present the case of a patient with an intracranial chondrosarcoma, who has treated successfully with surgical removal.