Risk Factors
It is more common in boys 10-19 years old.
Here are some factors that may raise your risk:
- Genetic problems, such as retinoblastoma and Li-Fraumeni syndrome
- Past radiation therapy
Symptoms
Symptoms are usually in the upper and lower long bones and pelvis. They are:
- Bone pain that may worsen with activity
- Swelling
- A large lump
Diagnosis
You will be asked about your child’s symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done.
Pictures may be taken of your child's body. This can be done with:
A biopsy of the site can confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment
When cancer is found, your child will be referred to a team that focuses on cancer in children. The doctor will do staging tests to find out if the cancer has spread. Treatment depends on the stage and site of the cancer. Talk with the doctor and healthcare team about the best plan for your child.
Your child may have:
Surgery
Surgery removes the tumor, nearby tissues, and nearby lymph nodes. The limb may need to be amputated . The doctor will try to remove the cancer without amputation. Sometimes, treatment with chemotherapy can help avoid it.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. The drugs enter the bloodstream and travel through the body killing mostly cancer cells.
Radiation
With this therapy, radiation is aimed at the tumor to kill the cancer cells.
| Radiation of Tumor |
|
| Copyright © 2002 Nucleus Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. |
RESOURCES
American Cancer Society https://www.cancer.org
National Cancer Institute https://www.cancer.gov
CANADIAN RESOURCES
BC Cancer—Provincial Health Services Authority http://www.bccancer.bc.ca
Canadian Cancer Society https://www.cancer.ca
References
Childhood cancer: osteosarcoma. Kids Health—Nemours Foundation website. Available at: https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/cancer-osteosarcoma.html. Accessed January 29, 2021.
Osteosarcoma in children. Boston Children's Hospital website. Available at: http://www.childrenshospital.org/conditions-and-treatments/conditions/osteosarcoma. Accessed January 29, 2021.
Osteosarcoma in children. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T920563/Osteosarcoma-in-children. Accessed January 29, 2021.
Revision Information
- Reviewer: EBSCO Medical Review Board Mohei Abouzied, MD, FACP
- Review Date: 09/2020
- Update Date: 01/29/2021