Chondrosarcoma physical examination

Patients with chondrosarcoma usually appear lethargic and emaciated. Physical examination of patients with chondrosarcoma is usually remarkable for palpable mass, tenderness and decreased range of motion.

Physical examination of patients with chondrosarcoma is usually remarkable for swelling, tenderness, and decreased range of motion.

• Patients with chondrosarcoma usually appear lethargic and emaciated.^[1]

• Vital signs are generally within normal limit, but patients with metastasis may present the following vital signs:^[2]
  • Low-grade fever
  • Decreased SPO2
  • Tachypnea
  • Tachycardia
  • Low blood pressure

• Skin examination of patients with chondrsarcoam is usually normal, but patients with metastasis may present the following:
  • Jaundice
  • Pallor

• HEENT examination of patients with chondrosarcoma include:^[1]
  • Icteric sclera
  • Palpable mass if chondrosarcoma arises from skull
  • Tenderness

• Neck examination of patients with chondrosarcoma is usually normal, but patients with metastasis may present the following:
  • Lymphadenopathy

• Pulmonary examination of patients with chondrosarcoma is usually normal, but patients with lung metastasis may present the following:^[2]
  • Decreased chest expansion
  • Lungs are hyporesonant
  • Decreased or absent breath sounds

• Cardiovascular examination of patients with chondrosarcoma is usually normal.

• Abdominal examination of patients with chondrosarcoma is usually normal.

• Back examination of patients with chondrosarcoma is usually normal
• However, chondrosarcoma arising from pelvis may cause bowel obstruction leading to tender abdomen.

• Genitourinary examination of patients with chondrosarcoma is usually normal.

However, chondrosarcoma arising from pelvis may cause bowel obstruction leading to tenderness in lower abdomen and urinary incontinence.

• Neuromuscular examination of patients with chondrosarcoma is usually normal.

• Extremities examination of patients with chondrosarcoma includes:^[3][4][5]
  • Clubbing
  • Cyanosis
  • Edema
  • Palpable mass
  • Tenderness
  • Decreased range of motion
  • Involvement of adjacent structures such as peripheral nerves or veins present as weakness, numbness and muscle wasting.