Osteosarcoma

It occurs when the DNA of bone-making cells (osteoblasts) becomes corrupted, leading to the formation of a defective, diseased, and cancerous bone/tumor mass instead of normal bone. It is the most common primary bone cancer.

It is more frequent in children and young adults aged 10-25, a period of rapid bone growth. The vast majority of cases appear around the knee (lower femur and upper tibia) or in the shoulder area.

Childhood growing pains usually occur in both legs simultaneously, are relieved by massage, and disappear during the day. Osteosarcoma pain is localized to a single spot, is accompanied by swelling, does not improve with massage or painkillers, and wakes the patient from sleep.

Yes, it is a highly aggressive cancer, and once it enters the bloodstream, the lungs are the primary organ it prefers to metastasize to. At the time of diagnosis, a portion of patients may already show lung metastases.

Bone destruction and a sun-like 'sunburst' periosteal reaction seen on an X-ray raise suspicion. Contrast-enhanced MRI and PET-CT scans are performed. The definitive type of cancer is identified via pathology from a thick needle biopsy of the bone.

While amputation was the only solution in the past, it is rarely required today. Treatment begins with intensive chemotherapy (to shrink the tumor). Subsequently, an Orthopedic Oncology surgeon removes only the cancerous bone and implants a metal limb prosthesis, successfully saving the arm or leg.