a type of cancer that forms in bone cartilage. it usually starts in the pelvis (between the hip bones), the shoulder, the ribs, or at the ends of the long bones of the arms and legs. a rare type of chondrosarcoma called extraskeletal chondrosarcoma does not form in bone cartilage. instead, it forms in the soft tissues of the upper part of the arms and legs. chondrosarcoma can occur at any age but is more common in people older than 40 years. it is a type of bone cancer.