Lumbar Chondrosarcoma in A Young Female: A Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract

Introduction: Chondrosarcomas (CS) are uncommon malignant tumors that form cartilage, ranking third among primary malignant bone tumors. Although they are rare, with an incidence rate of 2%-12%, they can occur in the spine, with the lumbar region being even less common. These tumors are resistant to chemotherapy and radiotherapy, making surgical excision the treatment of choice. The extent of surgical resection is vital for the patient’s prognosis and the risk of recurrence. A unique case of lumbar CS in a young female patient is reported. Case Report: A 23-year-old female experienced progressive lower back pain and radiculopathy in both lower limbs. Laboratory tests and radiological imaging revealed an osteolytic lesion in the L5 vertebral body. Despite a biopsy that did not conclusively diagnose the lesion, a two-stage en-bloc resection was carried out. The procedure confirmed the diagnosis of grade I conventional chondrosarcoma. The patient had a successful recovery and remainedrecurrence-free after three years. Discussion: CS typically occurs in males between their 40s and 70s and can develop in various bones, with different classifications based on origin and histopathological features. Spinal CS is rare, and symptoms can be non-specific but may progress to include pain and neurological deficits. Diagnosis is primarily based on imaging, with biopsy used in some cases. Surgical resection is the mainstay of treatment due to the tumor’s resistance to other treatments. Achieving negative surgical margins is imperative but challenging, necessitating a multidisciplinary approach for optimal outcomes. Conclusion: The presented case underlines the rarity of CS in the lumbar region and the challenges in diagnosing and surgically managing such cases. Aggressive surgical resection is key to treatment, requiring careful preoperativve planning and intraoperative precision. The successful long-term disease control in our patient emphasizes the importance of complete tumor resection.