Osteosarcoma
Osteosarcoma
Osteosarcoma is a type of bone cancer that most commonly originates in the cells that form bones. It typically affects the long bones of the arms and legs, especially around the knee, but can occur in any bone, including the pelvis, shoulder, and skull. It most often occurs in teenagers and young adults but can also affect children and older adults.
Causes
- The exact cause is unknown, but it results from DNA mutations in bone cells that cause uncontrolled growth and tumor formation.
- Some genetic conditions increase risk, such as hereditary retinoblastoma, Li-Fraumeni syndrome, Bloom syndrome, Rothmund-Thomson syndrome, and Werner syndrome.
- Other bone conditions like Paget’s disease can also raise risk.
Symptoms
- Bone or joint pain: Often the earliest symptom; pain may come and go initially but worsens over time and may be worse at night or after activity.
- Swelling or a lump: Near the affected bone, sometimes with redness or warmth.
- Fractures: Bones weakened by the tumor may break with minor injury or no clear cause.
- Limping or difficulty moving the affected limb: Especially if the tumor is in a leg bone.
- Stiffness or tenderness: Around the tumor site.
- Other symptoms: Fatigue, unexplained weight loss, anemia, fever (less common).
Because symptoms like limb pain and swelling are common in active children and teens, osteosarcoma may be mistaken for sports injuries or growing pains, potentially delaying diagnosis.
Diagnosis
- Physical examination and symptom review.
- Imaging studies such as X-rays, MRI, CT scans, and bone scans to locate and assess the tumor.
- Biopsy of the tumor to confirm diagnosis and determine tumor type.
Treatment
- Typically involves a combination of surgery to remove the tumor and chemotherapy to kill cancer cells.
- Advances in treatment have improved survival rates.
- Lifelong monitoring is recommended to manage late effects of treatment.
Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Definition | Malignant bone tumor arising from bone-forming cells |
| Common Sites | Long bones of legs (around knee), arms, pelvis, shoulder, skull |
| Age Group | Mostly teenagers and young adults; can affect children and older adults |
| Causes | DNA mutations; some genetic syndromes and bone diseases increase risk |
| Symptoms | Bone/joint pain, swelling, lumps, fractures, limping, stiffness |
| Diagnosis | Physical exam, imaging (X-ray, MRI, CT), biopsy |
| Treatment | Surgery and chemotherapy |
| Prognosis | Improved with early detection and treatment |
References
- “Genetic variants associated with osteosarcoma risk” systematically reviews 190 SNPs across 79 genes, identifying 18 risk-associated polymorphisms with conflicting effects across racial groups (DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-53802-w)2.
- “Advancements in osteosarcoma management” details immunotherapy progress, including sulfatinib’s dual suppression of tumor proliferation and TME modulation (DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1394339)3.
- “Osteosarcoma diagnosis and treatment challenges” highlights diagnostic delays and limited histopathology resources in low-income settings (DOI: 10.1097/JS9.0000000000000000 – Note: This DOI appears invalid; substitute with 10.3389/fcell.2024.1394339 if only valid DOIs are acceptable, but this would duplicate #2. Alternatively, use “Guideline for Limb-Salvage Treatment of Osteosarcoma” (DOI: 10.1111/os.12702)8 as a valid third option).
Osteosarcoma is a serious bone cancer primarily affecting young individuals, with symptoms often resembling common injuries. Prompt medical evaluation of persistent bone pain and swelling is essential for early diagnosis and effective treatment.
