Chondrosarcoma of the hand

Eighteen consecutive cases with the histologic diagnosis of chondrosarcoma of the hand were reviewed and followed up from 1 to 10 years. The primary tumor originated without a preexisting lesion in 78%. Secondary tumors arose in patients who had multiple enchondromas but not in patients with a solitary enchondroma. The onset is usually in the 60- to 80-year age group with the tumor almost always occurring in the epiphyseal area of the proximal phalanx (56%) or the metacarpals (39%). Roentgenographic features included indiscrete lytic areas of bone destruction (83%). The diagnostic finding of intraosseous or extraosseous scattered, punctate, calcific densities of dystrophic calcification occurred in 66%. Ray resection of the tumor is the treatment of choice. Local recurrences occurred in 11% and distant metastases were not seen.