An evaluation of chondrosarcoma begins with a history and physical examination.

Physical findings in someone with chondrosarcoma may include:

• Tenderness over a bone
• Swelling over a bone
• Difficulty walking if a leg bone is involved
• Severe bone pain and deformity if a fracture has occurred

Testing is required to make the diagnosis of chondrosarcoma.

Tests that may be used to evaluate chondrosarcoma include:

• Alkaline phosphatase blood levels:
• May be elevated
• Calcium blood levels:
• May be elevated
• AST (SGOT) blood levels:
• May be elevated
• Bone x-rays:
• Usually the first test to detect a bone tumor
• Bone biopsy:
• Sample of bone cells to determine the presence of cancer
• Nuclear bone scan:
• Can easily detect abnormal areas of bone
• CT scanning of the bones:
• Shows many abnormalities of bone
• MRI scanning of the bones:
• Gives the best detail of soft tissues