Osteosarcoma
Also known as: osteogenic sarcoma.
What is osteosarcoma?
Osteosarcoma is a very common type of bone cancer that affects older children and adolescents (boys more than girls). It usually starts in the areas of long bones that are still growing, like at the ends of the thigh, shin or upper arm (it can also affect the flat bones eg. the skull or pelvis).
Many times it spreads to other areas before it's diagnosed.
What causes osteosarcoma?
The exact cause is unknown, however osteosarcomas seems to occur more often in families where a cancer has been diagnosed previously; in children previously treated with radiation for other cancers and in a few children where a gene mutation has occurred.
What are the symptoms of osteosarcoma?
Bone pain at the joints is a common symptom of osteosarcoma, as well as fractures, limping, pain when moving the bones, swelling, tenderness, redness or limited range of motion.
What are osteosarcoma care options?
After a biopsy has been performed to confirm the diagnosis, chemotherapy to shrink the tumor is often the first line of treatment for osteosarcoma. After that, surgery can remove any remaining tumor that is present.
Reviewed by: Jack Wolfsdorf, MD, FAAP
This page was last updated on: April 06, 2022 01:54 PM
November 29, 2023 – Bone and joint cancers account for a fraction of cancer cases in the U.S., and their rarity and a paucity of treatment options underscore the need for experienced, multidisciplinary care and novel solutions. Nicklaus Children's Hospital's Sarcoma and Solid Tumor Program delivers both options for children with these malignancies.
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Gianna: Young Sarcoma Patient Shares Her Journey to Inspire Others
In March of 2022, little Gianna began experiencing a sharp pain in her leg that was causing her to limp. Her mother, Kathy, took her to the pediatrician who recommended she have an X-ray to see what was causing the pain.
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Learn more about
Sarcomas
Sarcomas are rare kinds of cancers that affect the body’s soft tissues. They are given different names depending on the type of cell or tissue involved including muscles, tendons, bone, fat, etc.
Fractures
When a bone breaks in the body, this is known as a fracture.
Bone Scan
A bone scan is usually used to assess pain, fractures, infection, or tumors of bone. A radioactive medicine is injected into a vein and then images are taken with a special camera, called a gamma camera.
DEXA Scan
A DEXA scan is a test that measures bone density and bone loss also called osteopenia.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy is a common form of cancer treatment. It refers to exposing the body to beams of radiation that are used to kill cancer cells and prevent them from coming back.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is a common form of cancer treatment. It refers to drugs that are often used to kill cancer cells and prevent them from coming back.