Osteogenic sarcoma

Osteogenic sarcoma (also known as Osteosarcoma) is a type of cancer that originates in the bone. It is the most common type of cancer that develops in bone, and it is usually found at the end of long bones, often around the knee. Most people diagnosed with osteosarcoma are under the age of 25, and it is more common in males than females.

Symptoms

The most common symptoms of osteosarcoma are pain and swelling in the affected bone, which may be accompanied by a noticeable lump or mass. The pain may initially only occur with activity, but as the cancer progresses, the pain may become more constant. In some cases, the first sign of the disease is a broken bone, which occurs because the cancer has weakened the bone structure.

Causes

The exact cause of osteosarcoma is not known. However, it is believed to be related to rapid bone growth, as it is more common during adolescence when the bones are growing rapidly. Certain genetic conditions, such as Li-Fraumeni syndrome and Rothmund-Thomson syndrome, can also increase the risk of developing osteosarcoma.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of osteosarcoma involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, X-rays, and other imaging studies. A biopsy of the affected bone is also usually required to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment for osteosarcoma typically involves a combination of surgery and chemotherapy. The goal of surgery is to remove all of the cancer, while chemotherapy is used to kill any cancer cells that may have spread to other parts of the body.

Prognosis

The prognosis for osteosarcoma varies depending on a number of factors, including the size and location of the tumor, the extent to which it has spread, and the patient's overall health. With treatment, the 5-year survival rate for localized osteosarcoma is approximately 60-80%.

See also

• Bone tumor
• Ewing's sarcoma
• Chondrosarcoma

Osteogenic sarcoma Resources
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