Chondroblastoma is a rare noncancerous (benign) tumor that forms on the joint end of bones. The tumor may develop in your upper arm, shin or thigh bone. The disease commonly affects young adults, but it may also affect children. Surgery to remove the tumor often cures the disease. But the tumor may come back.
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Chondroblastoma (pronounced “chon-drob-las-tom-ah”) is a rare benign (noncancerous) bone tumor. It grows at the end of long bones like those in your upper arm (humerus), thigh (femur) or shin (tibia).
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The disease typically affects young adults ages 19 to 25. But children as young as 10 may also have chondroblastoma. Without treatment, the tumor may cause pain and damage your joints and bones. Very rarely, it may spread to your lungs. Surgery to remove the tumor often cures the disease.
The most common early symptom is worsening pain that you might feel in your upper arm near your shoulder joint or just above or below your knee. Other symptoms include:
Most cases are spontaneous, meaning there’s no obvious cause. Research shows chondroblastoma may be the result of changes in your H3F3B gene. This change usually happens during conception for no known reason. Healthcare providers may call this a somatic mutation.
In some cases, however, you may inherit the genetic change from one of your biological parents (autosomal dominant inheritance). Providers may refer to this as a germline mutation.
A healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and how long you’ve had them. They’ll examine your arm or leg. They may do the following tests:
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Your provider may refer you to an orthopaedic surgeon who has experience with oncology techniques for more tests. Your surgeon may do a core needle biopsy to get tissue samples. Then, a medical pathologist will examine the tissue samples under a microscope. They may order tests to confirm the tumor is benign (noncancerous). The pathologist may also do tests to look for the genetic change that causes chondroblastoma.
Surgery is the most common treatment for chondroblastoma. Surgery removes the tumor, stops the pain and prevents future bone damage. Your surgeon may perform bone grafting after removing the tumor. Bone grafting replaces your damaged bone with healthy bone from another part of your body or with a bone graft substitute.
It may take several weeks to recover from surgery. Your recovery time may take longer if you receive a bone graft. Your orthopaedic surgeon will explain what you can expect as you recover.
Rarely, surgery may cause complications like infection. You should contact your care team if you have infection symptoms, like:
You’ll have regular checkups for the first two to five years after surgery. Your orthopaedic surgeon will do tests to look for signs that chondroblastoma has come back. You may have imaging tests of the part of your body the tumor affected. Your surgeon may also order chest X-rays or CT scans to check for a tumor in your lungs.
Surgery to remove the tumor often cures the condition. But it may come back. Your orthopaedic care team will schedule regular follow-up appointments with you.
You may not think twice about an occasional ache in your upper arm or leg. But an ache that doesn’t go away or gets worse may be a symptom of chondroblastoma. This rare benign (noncancerous) tumor is a serious medical issue. Without treatment, it can damage your bones and joints.
Talk to a healthcare provider if you have persistent pain in your upper arm or lower leg. They’ll ask about your symptoms and do tests to find out why you’re hurting. Chondroblastoma may not be the issue. But if it is, prompt treatment may cure the condition.
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Cleveland Clinic’s health articles are based on evidence-backed information and review by medical professionals to ensure accuracy, reliability and up-to-date clinical standards.
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