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Osteosarcoma

Contents of this page:

Illustrations

X-ray
X-ray
Osteogenic sarcoma - X-ray
Osteogenic sarcoma - X-ray
Ewings sarcoma - X-ray
Ewings sarcoma - X-ray
Bone tumor
Bone tumor

Alternative Names    Return to top

Osteogenic sarcoma

Definition    Return to top

Osteosarcoma is a cancerous (malignant) bone tumor that usually develops during the period of rapid growth that occurs in adolescence, as a teenager matures into an adult.

Causes    Return to top

Osteosarcoma is the most common cancerous (malignant) bone tumor in youth. The average age at diagnosis is 15. Boys and girls have a similar incidence of this tumor until late adolescence, at which time boys are more commonly affected.

The cause is not known. In some cases, osteosarcoma runs in families, and at least one gene has been linked to increased risk. This gene is also associated with familial retinoblastoma, a cancer of the eye that occurs in children.

Osteosarcoma tends to occur in the bones of the:

This cancer occurs most commonly in larger bones and in the area of bone with the fastest growth rate. Osteosarcoma can occur in any bone, however.

Although it is rare, osteosarcoma can occur in adults.

Symptoms    Return to top

Exams and Tests    Return to top

Treatment    Return to top

Treatment usually starts after a biopsy of the tumor.

Before major surgery to remove the tumor, chemotherapy is usually given. This is strong medication injected into the vein (intravenously) to make the tumor shrink. Chemotherapy also treats any cancer cells that may have spread to other parts of the body.

Surgery is then used to remove any remaining tumor. In most cases, surgery can remove the tumor while sparing the affected limb (this is called limb-salvage surgery). Rarely more radical surgery (such as amputation) may be necessary for a permanent cure.

Common chemotherapy medicines include:

Support Groups    Return to top

Association of Cancer Online Resources -- www.acor.org

Cure Search (formerly the National Childhood Cancer Foundation) --www.curesearch.org

Outlook (Prognosis)    Return to top

If the tumor has not spread to the lungs (pulmonary metastasis), long-term survival rates are very high. If the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, there is still a good chance of cure with effective treatment.

Possible Complications    Return to top

When to Contact a Medical Professional    Return to top

Call your health care provider if you have bone pain, tenderness, or swelling.

References    Return to top

Skubitz KM, D'Adamo D. Sarcoma. Mayo Clin Proc. 2007;82:1409-1432.

Update Date: 3/24/2008

Updated by: Stephen Grund, MD, PhD, Chief of Hematology/Oncology and Director of the George Bray Cancer Center at New Britain General Hospital, New Britain, CT. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed byDavid Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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