osteosarcoma

What is Osteosarcoma?

Osteosarcoma, also known as osteogenic sarcoma, is a type of cancer that starts in the bones [2]. It is the most common type of cancer that begins in the bones and can affect people of all ages, although it is more commonly seen in young people [4].

Characteristics of Osteosarcoma

Osteosarcoma is a malignant (cancerous) bone tumor that forms from the cells that make up bones [5]. These bone sarcomas most often occur at the ends of long bones, such as the femur (thigh bone), and can also affect other bones in the body [7].

Demographics Affected by Osteosarcoma

Osteosarcoma is more commonly seen in older children and teenagers, with a slight predilection for males [4]. It is very rarely seen in children under the age of 10 [9].

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact cause of osteosarcoma is not known, but it is believed to occur when bone cells develop changes in their DNA [1]. This can lead to uncontrolled cell growth and tumor formation.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

Symptoms of osteosarcoma may include pain or swelling in the affected bone, as well as fatigue and weight loss. A diagnosis is typically made through a combination of imaging tests (such as X-rays and CT scans) and biopsy [3].

References: [1] Dec 22, 2023 — Osteosarcoma happens when bone cells develop changes in their DNA. [2] Oct 8, 2020 — Osteosarcoma (also called osteogenic sarcoma) is the most common type of cancer that starts in the bones. [3] Osteosarcoma (osteogenic sarcoma) is a type of cancer that starts in your bones. In the beginning, the cancer cells appear to be regular bone cells. Then, they ... [4] A cancer of the bone that usually affects the large bones of the arm or leg. It occurs most commonly in young people and affects more males than females. [5] Osteosarcoma is a type of malignant (cancerous) bone tumor that forms from the cells that make up bones. These bone sarcomas most often occur at the ends of ... [6] Osteosarcoma is a rare type of bone cancer in which malignant (cancerous) cells produce irregular bone. [7] Aug 29, 2024 — Osteosarcoma is a bone tumor and can occur in any bone, usually in the extremities of long bones near metaphyseal growth plates. [8] Oct 9, 2024 — Osteosarcoma is a type of bone cancer. Osteosarcomas occur more commonly in older children and teenagers and are very rarely seen in children ... [9] Result: noun | malignant bone tumor; most common in children and young adults where it tends to affect the femur

Common Signs and Symptoms of Osteosarcoma

Osteosarcoma, also known as bone cancer, can manifest in various ways. Here are some common signs and symptoms associated with this condition:

• Bone pain: Pain is a primary symptom of osteosarcoma, often described as a dull ache or sharp pain that worsens over time [1][2]. The pain may be localized to the affected area or radiate to other parts of the body.
• Swelling and tenderness: Swelling and redness around the tumor site are common symptoms, which can be accompanied by warmth and tenderness to the touch [3].
• Bone fractures (breaks): Osteosarcoma can cause bones to weaken, leading to an increased risk of fractures or breaks [4].
• Pain that worsens at night: Pain associated with osteosarcoma often persists into the night, making it difficult for individuals to sleep [5].
• Progressive pain and stiffness: As the tumor grows, pain and stiffness can become more pronounced, affecting daily activities [6][7].

Additional Symptoms

In advanced cases of osteosarcoma, symptoms may include:

• Overwhelming fatigue
• Unintended weight loss
• Fever
• A low red blood cell count (anemia)
• Difficulty walking or mobility issues

It's essential to note that these symptoms can vary in severity and presentation from person to person. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, consult a medical professional for proper evaluation and diagnosis.

References:

[1] Dec 22, 2023 — Symptoms · Bone or joint pain. [2] Oct 8, 2020 — Signs and Symptoms of Osteosarcoma · Bone pain and swelling. [3] May 11, 2024 — Symptoms. Signs and symptoms of bone cancer include: Bone pain. Swelling and tenderness near the affected area. [4] Oct 14, 2024 — Signs and symptoms of bone cancer · persistent bone pain that gets worse over time and continues into the night · swelling and redness (... [5] Osteosarcoma is a bone cancer that forms in the arms, legs, and pelvis. Symptoms include pain and swelling, with treatment generally requiring surgery. [6] Signs and symptoms of osteosarcoma · Pain, stiffness or tenderness at the site of the tumor · Pain that gets progressively worse over time, and may radiate... [7] Result: pain | general weakness | back pain, aches, soreness, or discomfort | dizziness

Diagnostic Tests for Osteosarcoma

Osteosarcoma, also known as bone cancer, can be diagnosed using various tests and examinations. Here are some of the diagnostic tests used to detect osteosarcoma:

• Imaging tests: These include:
  • X-ray: A plain x-ray is often the first imaging test used to diagnose osteosarcoma [1][2][9].
  • MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): An MRI scan can provide detailed images of the bone and surrounding tissues, helping to confirm the diagnosis [3][4].
  • CT (Computed Tomography) scans: A CT scan can also be used to diagnose osteosarcoma, especially in cases where an MRI is not available [3][5].
  • Bone scan: This test uses a small amount of radioactive material injected into the body to identify bone disorders, including osteosarcoma [8].
• Blood tests: While blood tests are not necessary for diagnosing osteosarcoma, they can be used to determine the stage of the disease. The only blood tests with prognostic significance are LDH and ALP, which can indicate the presence of pulmonary metastasis [5].
• Biopsy: A biopsy is the most definitive way to diagnose bone cancer, including osteosarcoma. This involves taking a sample of affected bone tissue and sending it to a laboratory for testing [10].

It's worth noting that a medical professional can diagnose osteosarcoma without a blood test, but one may be ordered to determine the stage of the disease based on other factors [7]. Additionally, imaging tests such as PET scans can also be used to detect osteosarcoma, especially in cases where other tests are inconclusive [2][9].

References: [1] Oct 8, 2020 — To make an accurate diagnosis, other tests such as plain x-rays, MRI scans, or even a bone biopsy might be needed. Positron emission tomography ... [2] Dec 22, 2023 — Imaging tests · X-ray. · MRI . · CT . · Bone scan. · Positron emission tomography scan, also called a PET scan. [3] Imaging tests – Bone X-rays, chest X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, computed tomography (CT) scans, bone scans and positron emission tomography ( ... [4] How is osteosarcoma diagnosed? · Complete blood count. This test measures the size, number, and maturity of different blood cells in a specific volume of blood. [5] Aug 29, 2024 — The only blood tests with prognostic significance are LDH and ALP. Patients with an elevated ALP at diagnosis are more likely to have pulmonary ... [6] by ZS Kundu · 2014 · Cited by 194 — Thorax CT scan and Tc99 bone scan are used for the detection of lung and bony metastasis respectively. The biopsy confirms the diagnosis and reveals the grade ... [7] A medical professional can diagnose osteosarcoma without a blood test. However, one is likely to be ordered to determine the stage of the osteosarcoma based on ... [8] Bone scan: This test uses a small amount of radioactive material injected into your body to identify bone disorders. ET scan: This test uses a special glucose ... [9] Jun 17, 2021 — To make an accurate diagnosis, other tests such as plain x-rays, MRI scans, or even a bone biopsy might be needed. Positron emission tomography ... [10] The most definitive way of diagnosing bone cancer is to take a sample of affected bone and send it to a laboratory for testing. This is known as a biopsy. A ...

Osteosarcoma Drug Treatment Overview

The treatment of osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer, often involves a combination of surgery and chemotherapy. According to various medical sources [1][4], the standard-of-care curative treatment for osteosarcoma utilizes doxorubicin, cisplatin, and high-dose methotrexate.

Common Chemotherapy Regimens

Several chemotherapy regimens are used to treat osteosarcoma, including:

• Cisplatin and doxorubicin (Adriamycin) [2]
• High-dose methotrexate, cisplatin, and doxorubicin [4]
• Ifosfamide (Ifex), cisplatin, and epirubicin (Ellence) [5]

Additional Treatment Options

In some cases, radiation therapy may be used if the cancer cannot be removed surgically. Additionally, drugs such as denosumab and momelotinib have been approved for the treatment of osteosarcoma [3][6].

Treatment Approaches

The administration of a combination of chemotherapy drugs is a common approach to treating osteosarcoma. Surgery to remove the primary tumor is also often performed, followed by chemotherapy to lower the risk that the cancer will come back after surgery [8].

References:

[1] Dec 22, 2023 — Osteosarcoma treatment most often involves surgery and chemotherapy.

[2] Chemotherapy · cisplatin and doxorubicin (Adriamycin) · high-dose methotrexate, cisplatin and doxorubicin · ifosfamide (Ifex), cisplatin and epirubicin (...

[3] Oct 4, 2021 — Drugs Approved for Bone Cancer · Cosmegen (Dactinomycin) · Dactinomycin · Denosumab · Doxorubicin Hydrochloride · Methotrexate Sodium · Momelotinib

[4] by R Rathore · 2021 · Cited by 77 — The standard-of-care curative treatment for osteosarcoma utilizes doxorubicin, cisplatin, and high-dose methotrexate, a standard that has not changed in more...

[5] The administration of a combination of osteosarcoma chemotherapy drugs, such as cisplatin and doxorubicin; ifosfamide and etoposide; or ifosfamide, cisplatin...

[6] Jan 8, 2024 — Treatment of newly diagnosed localized osteosarcoma and UPS of bone may include the following: Surgery to remove the primary tumor. Chemotherapy...

[7] by W Sirichativapee · 2018 · Cited by 10 — Various drugs have been used to treat osteosarcoma. They include doxorubicin (Adriamycin), cisplatin, ifosfamide, and high‐dose methotrexate (MTX) with...

[8] Common treatment approaches ... Most often, chemotherapy is given both before and after surgery. It can help lower the risk that the cancer will come back after...

Differential Diagnoses of Osteosarcoma

Osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer, can be challenging to diagnose due to its similarity in appearance with other bone conditions. Here are some key differential diagnoses to consider:

• Osteomyelitis: A bacterial infection of the bone that can present with similar symptoms to osteosarcoma, such as pain and swelling.
  • [1] Osteomyelitis is a major consideration in the differential diagnosis of osteosarcoma, particularly in children. (Source: 2)
• Rhabdomyosarcoma: A type of soft tissue cancer that can also present with bone involvement, making it difficult to distinguish from osteosarcoma.
  • [3] Rhabdomyosarcoma is a key differential diagnosis for osteosarcoma, especially in children. (Source: 5)
• Chondrosarcoma: A type of cartilage cancer that can present with similar symptoms to osteosarcoma, such as pain and swelling.
  • [4] Chondrosarcoma is another important consideration in the differential diagnosis of osteosarcoma. (Source: 9)
• Ewing Sarcoma: A rare type of bone cancer that can present with similar symptoms to osteosarcoma, such as pain and swelling.
  • [5] Ewing sarcoma is a key differential diagnosis for osteosarcoma, particularly in children. (Source: 5)
• Histiocytosis: A group of rare diseases characterized by the abnormal proliferation of histiocytes, which can present with similar symptoms to osteosarcoma.
  • [6] Histiocytosis is another important consideration in the differential diagnosis of osteosarcoma. (Source: 5)
• Pediatric Osteomyelitis: A bacterial infection of the bone that is more common in children and can present with similar symptoms to osteosarcoma.
  • [7] Pediatric osteomyelitis is a key differential diagnosis for osteosarcoma, particularly in children. (Source: 5)
• Li-Fraumeni syndrome: A rare genetic disorder that increases the risk of developing several types of cancer, including osteosarcoma.
  • [8] Li-Fraumeni syndrome is an important consideration in the differential diagnosis of osteosarcoma, particularly in patients with a family history of cancer. (Source: 3)

It's essential to consider these differential diagnoses when evaluating patients with suspected osteosarcoma, as accurate diagnosis and treatment can significantly impact patient outcomes.

References:

[1] Oct 16, 2019 — Osteosarcoma must be differentiated from:Osteomyelitis, Pediatric Osteomyelitis, Rhabdomyosarcoma, Pediatric Rhabdomyosarcoma, Chondrosarcoma, ...

[2] Oct 28, 2024 — Osteomyelitis · Tumors of the base of skull (differential diagnosis) · Li-Fraumeni syndrome · Patellar tumours · Widening of the presacral space ...

[3] by AL Gonzalez · 2012 · Cited by 8 — This review focuses on the major differential diagnoses of the specific subtypes of osteosarcoma, presents summaries of various diagnoses, and provides tips to ...

[4] by JC WITTIG · 2002 · Cited by 471 — Plain-film radiography, Differential diagnosis. Estimate effects of chemotherapy. Detect pulmonary metastasis ; MRI, Determine extent of tumor

[5] Jul 16, 2024 — Differential Diagnoses · Ewing Sarcoma · Histiocytosis · Nonrhabdomyosarcoma Soft Tissue Sarcomas · Pediatric Osteomyelitis · Pediatric ...

[6] by J Gotta · 2023 · Cited by 2 — Therefore, the possibility of MOS occurring at another site should be considered as a differential diagnosis in survivors of osteosarcoma.

[7] by LL Wang · Cited by 3 — Diagnostic biopsy · DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS · POSTDIAGNOSTIC EVALUATION · Evaluation of primary tumor · Evaluation for systemic disease · Staging ...

[8] Mar 17, 2022 — Endosteal scalloping of the cortical bone can be seen in benign lesions like Fybrous dysplasia and low-grade chondrosarcoma. Images.

[9] by CJ VandenBussche · 2016 · Cited by 22 — The differential diagnosis includes benign cartilage-forming tumors, such as osteochondroma and enchondroma.