Conditions
Osteosarcoma (Bone Cancer)
What is Osteosarcoma?
Osteosarcoma or bone cancer is a disease in which cancer cells are found in the bone. Osteosarcoma is the most common type of bone cancer. Osteosarcoma most often occurs in adolescents and young adults. In children, it occurs most commonly in the bones around the knee.
Ewing's sarcoma is another kind of bone cancer, but the cancer cells look different under a microscope than osteosarcoma cancer cells.
Common Symptoms
Common symptoms of osteosarcoma include pain and swelling of a bone or a bone region. If you have pain or swelling in a bone region, see your doctor so that he/she may order tests to further diagnose your symptoms.
Diagnosing Osteosarcoma
To help find the cause of symptoms, the doctor will evaluate your medical history, your family’s history of cancer and your overall health. In addition to a physical exam, your doctor may order the following tests:
Treatment Options
Treatment for osteosarcoma depends on the type of cancer, the stage of the disease, the location and size of the tumor, the patient’s general health and age, and other factors. Your doctor will work with you to develop a treatment plan that meets your needs.
If it's suspected that the problem is osteosarcoma, your doctor may recommend seeing a specialist called an orthopaedic oncologist.
| Information about... |
| Surgery |
| Radiation Therapy |
| Chemotherapy |
Related Links
Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology