Osteosarcoma Overview
Learn About Osteosarcoma
Osteosarcoma is a very rare type of cancerous bone tumor that usually develops in teenagers and young adults. It often occurs when a teen is growing rapidly.
Osteogenic sarcoma; Bone tumor - osteosarcoma
Osteosarcoma is the most common bone cancer in children. Average age at diagnosis is 15. Boys and girls are just as likely to develop this tumor until the late teens, after which it occurs more often in boys. Osteosarcoma is also common in people over age 60.
The cause is not known. In some cases, osteosarcoma runs in families. At least one gene has been linked to an increased risk. This gene is also associated with familial retinoblastoma. This is a cancer of the eye that occurs in children.
Osteosarcoma tends to occur in the bones of the:
- Shin (near the knee)
- Thigh (near the knee)
- Upper arm (near the shoulder)
Osteosarcoma occurs most commonly in large bones in the area of bone with the fastest growth rate. However, it can occur in any bone.
The first symptom is usually bone pain near a joint. This symptom may be overlooked, especially in young people, because of other more common causes of joint pain.
Other symptoms may include any of the following:
- Bone fracture (may occur after a routine movement)
- Limitation of motion
- Limping (if the tumor is in the leg)
- Pain when lifting (if the tumor is in the arm)
- Tenderness, swelling, or redness at the site of the tumor
Treatment usually starts after a biopsy of the tumor is done.
Before surgery to remove the tumor, chemotherapy, [radiation] therapy, or both is usually given. This can shrink the tumor and make surgery easier. It may also kill any cancer cells that have spread to other parts of the body.
Surgery is used after chemotherapy to remove any remaining tumor. In most cases, surgery can remove the tumor while saving the affected limb. This is called limb-sparing surgery. In rare cases, more extensive surgery (such as amputation) is necessary.
Tertiary Specialists Of Practice Associates PA
James Wittig is an Orthopedics provider in Morristown, New Jersey. Dr. Wittig and is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Osteosarcoma. His top areas of expertise are Osteosarcoma, Adult Soft Tissue Sarcoma, Ewing Sarcoma, Hip Replacement, and Knee Replacement.
Duke Health Integrated Practice Inc
Lars Wagner is a Pediatric Hematologist Oncology specialist and a Hematologist in Durham, North Carolina. Dr. Wagner and is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Osteosarcoma. His top areas of expertise are Ewing Sarcoma, Osteosarcoma, Adult Soft Tissue Sarcoma, Rhabdomyosarcoma, and Bone Marrow Aspiration. Dr. Wagner is currently accepting new patients.
Richard Gorlick is a Pediatric Hematologist Oncology specialist and a Hematologist in Houston, Texas. Dr. Gorlick and is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Osteosarcoma. His top areas of expertise are Osteosarcoma, Adult Soft Tissue Sarcoma, Ewing Sarcoma, Rhabdomyosarcoma, and Osteotomy. Dr. Gorlick is currently accepting new patients.
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If the tumor has not spread to the lungs (pulmonary metastasis), long-term survival rates are better. If the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, the outlook is worse. However, there is still a chance of cure with effective treatment.
Complications may include:
- Limb removal
- Spread of cancer to the lungs
- Side effects of chemotherapy
Contact your provider if you or your child has persistent bone pain, tenderness, or swelling.
Summary: This study is designed for children, adolescents and young adults undergoing radiation therapy for metastatic sarcoma. The aim of the study is to investigate if the investigators can improve the overall survival of these patients by targeting metastatic sites with radiation.
Summary: The goal of this interventional study is to determine the strength of cobolimab and dostarlimab that is most tolerated in children and young adults who have advanced solid tumors. This study also aims: (a) to check if it is safe to use cobolimab and dostarlimab combination in children and young adults, (b) to see how to manage the side effects that may occur, and (c) the effect of this treatment i...
Published Date: October 16, 2022
Published By: Mark Levin, MD, Hematologist and Oncologist, Monsey, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. Editorial update 05/01/2023.
Anderson ME, DuBois SG, Gebhardt MC. Sarcomas of bone. In: Niederhuber JE, Armitage JO, Kastan MB, Doroshow JH, Tepper JE, eds. Abeloff's Clinical Oncology. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 89.
National Cancer Institute website. Osteosarcoma and undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma of bone treatment (PDQ) - health professional version. www.cancer.gov/types/bone/hp/osteosarcoma-treatment-pdq. Updated April 5, 2023. Accessed May 1, 2023.