This is a type of cancer where the abnormal cells continue to grow out of control in the bones. The bones help support and protect the organs of the body, with the movement, assists with the production of new blood cells and acts as a storage of minerals such as calcium. There are two types of cells in the body that ensure the bones remain strong and healthy which is known as osteoblasts and osteoclasts. Osteoblasts help with the formation of bones and the osteoclasts help to break it down by preventing the excess formation of it and to maintain the bone’s proper shape. The bones of the individuals with osteosarcoma are not strong as the healthy people. This type of cancer appears to affect the children and the young adults although it can occur at any age. Most of this type of cancer develops in the bones around the knee and the section of the upper arm bone known as proximal humerus. However, it can affect any of the bones including the pelvis, shoulder and the jaw.
Symptoms
Most of the affected individuals may not experience any symptoms. However, the common symptom that becomes apparent is the bone pain near a joint. The symptoms are often not taken seriously as it can be similar to other common causes of joint pain. Additional symptoms can include bone fracture, limping (if the tumors are present in the leg), pain when lifting the affected part of the body, tenderness or swelling at the site of the tumor and limited motion.
Diagnosis
Most of the osteosarcomas are detected in the early stage before it has spread to affect other parts of the body. The diagnosis is usually based on the symptoms evident, a complete medical history and with various specialized tests. The imaging tests may be done to determine the location of the cancer, to see if the cancer has started in another part of the body and how far the cancer has spread. The bone x-ray can identify the osteosarcoma although a biopsy may be required to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy requires a procedure where the affected sample collected will be examined under the microscope to identify the type of cancer. The bone scan can help detect if the cancer has spread to other bones.
Treatment
The treatment is based on a combination of therapies such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy and a surgery. In the case of a high-grade tumor, the affected individual may receive three months of chemotherapy before surgery can be performed. During the surgery, the tumor will be removed along with a margin of healthy tissue around the tumor to ensure the site is free of the disease. During the procedure, the surgeon may use a metal implant, a bone taken from the individual to replace the tissues lost during the surgery and a combination of an implant and allograft may be required. In some case, an amputation is the only option to completely remove cancer.
References
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/osteosarcoma/detection-diagnosis-staging.html
http://sarcomahelp.org/osteosarcoma.html
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001650.htm
