What is Osteosarcoma?

Osteosarcoma is a rare type of cancer that develops in bone tissue. Osteosarcomas usually occur in long bones (e.g., femur, fibula, humerus), where cancer cells may form within the bone tissue and destroy surrounding healthy bone tissue.

Genetic factors, genetic mutations, and exposure to radiation may play a role in the development of osteosarcoma. It is particularly likely to occur in growing children and adolescents.

Symptoms of osteosarcoma include pain, swelling, discoloration or hardening of the affected skin, or swelling of the affected area, which often progresses rapidly. Diagnosis of osteosarcoma includes imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs, biopsy (collection of a tissue sample), and blood tests, with biopsy confirming the presence of cancer cells.

An example of a proposed treatment for osteosarcoma

Surgery:

Surgery is the primary treatment for osteosarcoma. Surgical resection of the affected area is performed to remove the cancerous tissue.　 Large tumors or partial or total removal of bone may be required. After surgery, a procedure (e.g., bone graft) may be performed to fill the bone defect.

Chemotherapy:

Chemotherapy is given before or after surgery to attack cancer cells and help prevent recurrence.

Radiation therapy:

Radiation therapy is typically used as an adjunctive treatment before or after surgery, such as when surgery is difficult or there is a risk of leaving cancer cells behind after surgery.　 Particle therapy (heavy particle therapy and proton therapy), a type of radiation therapy, is proposed when extensive lesions preclude resection surgery.