Osteosarcoma is a type of bone cancer that usually occurs in teenagers and young adults, but can affect people of all ages.
It is the most common type of bone cancer and often originates in areas of rapid bone growth, such as the long bones of the legs or arms.
Characteristics of osteosarcoma include:
Location
Commonly found in the bones around the knee, such as the femur (thigh bone) and tibia (shin bone), but it can occur in any bone.
Symptoms
Bone pain or swelling near the tumor site, night pain, pain that worsens with activity or exercise, and occasionally a fracture after minimal trauma.
Diagnosis
Includes imaging tests such as X-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and bone biopsy to confirm the presence of cancer cells.
Treatment
Usually involves a combination of surgery to remove the tumor, chemotherapy, and sometimes radiotherapy. The goal is to remove all the cancer and preserve the use of the affected limb, when possible.
Prognosis
Varies depending on several factors, including the size and location of the tumor, whether the cancer has spread to other parts of the body (metastasis), and the patient’s response to treatment.
Prevention and Risk Factors
There are no known ways to prevent osteosarcoma. Risk factors may include a family history of bone cancer, certain genetic conditions, and previous exposure to radiation.
Source: American Cancer Society (ACS)
