Osteogenic Sarcoma

Osteogenic Sarcoma

What is osteosarcoma?

Osteosarcoma is the most common type of bone cancer among children, adolescents, and young adults.

The disease usually occurs in the long bones, such as the arms (humerus), legs (femur/tibia), and pelvis. It rarely occurs in the jaw and fingers, but often occurs at the ends of these bones near growth plates.

Osteosarcoma cancer cells can also spread (metastasize) to other areas of the body. Most commonly, these cells spread to the lungs. However, bones, kidneys, the adrenal gland, the brain, and the heart can also be sites of metastasis.

What causes osteosarcoma?

The exact cause of osteosarcoma is not known, but genetics may play an important role. Children and adults with other hereditary abnormalities, including exostoses (bony growths), retinoblastoma, Ollier's disease, osteogenesis imperfecta, polyostotic fibrous dysplasia, and Paget's disease, have an increased risk for developing osteosarcoma.

This form of cancer has also been linked to exposure to ionizing irradiation associated with radiation therapy for other types of cancer (i.e., Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin disease).

What are the symptoms of osteosarcoma?

The following are the most common symptoms of osteosarcoma. However, each child may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• pain (sharp or dull) at the site of the tumor
• swelling and/or redness at the site of the tumor
• increased pain with activity or lifting
• limping
• decreased movement of the affected limb

The symptoms may have been present over a short period of time or may have been occurring for six months or more. Often, an injury brings a child into a medical facility, where an x-ray may indicate suspicious bone lesions.

The symptoms of osteosarcoma may resemble other conditions or medical problems. Always consult your child's physician for a diagnosis.

How is osteosarcoma diagnosed?

In addition to a complete medical history and physical examination of your child, diagnostic procedures for osteosarcoma may include:

• multiple imaging studies of the tumor and sites of possible metastasis, such as
  • x-rays - a diagnostic test which uses invisible electromagnetic energy beams to produce images of internal tissues, bones, and organs onto film.
  • bone scans - a nuclear imaging method to evaluate any degenerative and/or arthritic changes in the joints; to detect bone diseases and tumors; to determine the cause of bone pain or inflammation. This test is to rule out any infection or fractures.
  • magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) - a diagnostic procedure that uses a combination of large magnets, radiofrequencies, and a computer to produce detailed images of organs and structures within the body. This test is done to rule out any associated abnormalities of the spinal cord and nerves.
  • computed tomography scan (Also called a CT or CAT scan.) - a diagnostic imaging procedure that uses a combination of x-rays and computer technology to produce cross-sectional images (often called slices), both horizontally and vertically, of the body. A CT scan shows detailed images of any part of the body, including the bones, muscles, fat, and organs. CT scans are more detailed than general x-rays.
  • positron emission tomography (PET) scan - radioactive-tagged glucose (sugar) is injected into the bloodstream. Tissues that use the glucose more than normal tissues (such as tumors) can be detected by a scanning machine. PET scans can be used to find small tumors or to check if treatment for a known tumor is working.
• complete blood count (CBC) - a measurement of size, number, and maturity of different blood cells in a specific volume of blood.
• blood tests (including blood chemistries)
• biopsy of the tumor

Treatment for osteosarcoma:

Specific treatment for osteosarcoma will be determined by your child's physician based on:

• your child's age, overall health, and medical history
• extent of the disease
• your child's tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
• expectations for the course of the disease
• your opinion or preference

Treatment may include, but is not limited to, one or more of the following:

• surgery (i.e., biopsy, resections, bone/skin grafts, limb salvage procedures, reconstructions)
• amputation
• chemotherapy
• radiation therapy
• resections of metastases (spreading of the tumor to other locations)
• rehabilitation including physical and occupational therapy and psychosocial adapting
• prosthesis fitting and training
• supportive care (for the side effects of treatment)
• antibiotics (to prevent and treat infections)
• continued follow-up care (to determine response to treatment, detect recurrent disease, and manage the side effects of treatment)

Long-term outlook for a child with osteosarcoma:

Prognosis for osteosarcoma greatly depends on:

• the extent of the disease.
• the size and location of the tumor.
• presence or absence of metastasis.
• the tumor's response to therapy.
• the age and overall health of your child.
• your child's tolerance of specific medications, procedures, or therapies.
• new developments in treatment.

A person who was treated for bone cancer as a child or adolescent may develop effects months or years after treatment ends. These effects are called late effects. The kind of late effects one develops depends on the location of the tumor and the way it was treated.

Some types of treatment may later affect fertility. If this side effect is permanent, it will cause infertility, or the inability to have children. Both men and women can be affected.

As with any cancer, prognosis and long-term survival can vary greatly from child to child. Every child is unique and treatment and prognosis is structured around the child's needs. Prompt medical attention and aggressive therapy are important for the best prognosis. Continuous follow-up care is essential for a child diagnosed with osteosarcoma. Side effects of radiation and chemotherapy, as well as second malignancies, can occur in survivors of osteosarcoma.

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