Osteosarcoma

Osteosarcoma is a type of cancer that starts in the bones. It is the most common type of bone cancer and typically affects the long bones, such as the femur (thigh bone), tibia (shin bone), or humerus (upper arm bone). Osteosarcoma can occur at any age, but it is most commonly diagnosed in teenagers and young adults.

What are the symptoms of osteosarcoma?

The symptoms of osteosarcoma may vary depending on the location and size of the tumor. Common symptoms include:

• Pain or swelling in the affected bone or joint
• Limited mobility or stiffness in the affected limb
• Weakness or fatigue in the affected limb
• Weight loss or loss of appetite
• Fever or night sweats
• A lump or mass on the bone that can be felt under the skin

What are the causes and risk factors of osteosarcoma?

The exact cause of osteosarcoma is not known, but several factors may increase a person's risk of developing the disease. These include:

• Genetic mutations: Certain genetic syndromes, such as Li-Fraumeni syndrome and Rothmund-Thomson syndrome, can increase the risk of osteosarcoma.
• Prior radiation exposure: People who have received radiation therapy for another cancer may be at increased risk of developing osteosarcoma.
• Family history: Having a family history of osteosarcoma or other types of cancer may increase a person's risk.
• Paget's disease: This is a condition that affects the bones and can increase the risk of osteosarcoma.

How is osteosarcoma diagnosed?

Osteosarcoma is typically diagnosed using a combination of imaging tests and biopsy. The following tests may be used:

• X-rays: To evaluate the bone and detect any abnormalities.
• Computed tomography (CT) scan: To provide more detailed images of the bone and surrounding tissue.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): To evaluate the extent of the tumor and its relationship to surrounding tissues.
• Bone scan: To detect any areas of abnormal bone activity.
• Biopsy: To remove a sample of tissue from the affected bone for examination under a microscope.

What are the treatments for osteosarcoma?

Treatment for osteosarcoma typically involves a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. The goal of treatment is to remove the tumor, prevent its spread, and restore function to the affected limb.

• Surgery: To remove the tumor and surrounding tissue. This may involve amputation of the affected limb or reconstruction using bone grafts or prosthetic devices.
• Chemotherapy: To kill cancer cells that have spread to other parts of the body. Common chemotherapy agents used to treat osteosarcoma include methotrexate, doxorubicin, and cisplatin.
• Radiation therapy: To kill cancer cells that remain after surgery or to relieve symptoms such as pain or swelling.
• Targeted therapy: To target specific molecules involved in the growth and spread of osteosarcoma. Examples include denosumab and sorafenib.

What are the stages of osteosarcoma?

Osteosarcoma is typically staged using the following system:

• Stage I: The tumor is low grade and has not spread beyond the bone.
• Stage II: The tumor is high grade and has not spread beyond the bone.
• Stage III: The tumor has spread to other parts of the body, such as the lungs or other bones.

What is the prognosis for osteosarcoma?

The prognosis for osteosarcoma depends on several factors, including the stage and grade of the tumor, the effectiveness of treatment, and the overall health of the patient. Generally, the 5-year survival rate for people with osteosarcoma is around 70%. However, this can vary depending on the specific circumstances of the disease.