What does osteosarcoma look like?
What does osteosarcoma look like?
The cancer cells in these tumors look like early forms of bone cells that normally help make new bone tissue, but the bone tissue in an osteosarcoma is not as strong as that of normal bones. Most osteosarcomas occur in children and young adults. Teens are the most commonly affected age group, but osteosarcoma can develop at any age.
What bones are affected by osteosarcoma?
Osteosarcoma most often affects the long bones, such as those in the arms and legs. It usually occurs near the ends of the bones where the fastest growth is taking place (growth plates). The bones and areas most often affected include: Femur (thigh bone) near the knee. Tibia (shin bone) near the knee. Humerus (upper arm bone) near the shoulder.
Can osteosarcoma start in the arm?
Osteosarcoma is most often found in the long bones — more often the legs, but sometimes the arms — but it can start in any bone. Osteosarcoma tends to occur in teenagers and young adults, but it can also occur in younger children and older adults. Treatment usually involves chemotherapy and surgery.
What are the different types of high-grade osteosarcomas?
There are many types of high-grade osteosarcomas (although the first 3 are the most common). Other high-grade osteosarcomas include: Extraskeletal: a tumor that starts in a part of the body other than a bone (but still makes bone tissue) Post-radiation: a tumor that starts in a bone that had once been treated with radiation
What are The racial predilections of osteosarcoma?
Osteosarcoma is slightly more common in African-Americans. Before adolescence, it occurs equally in boys and girls. After adolescence, it occurs slightly more often in boys, possibly because of a longer period of skeletal growth.
How common is osteosarcoma in children?
Osteosarcoma accounts for about 3% of all childhood cancers. It is the most common primary bone tumor in children. Osteosarcoma is the third most common cancer in adolescence (after lymphomas and brain tumors). Does osteosarcoma cause pain? Osteosarcomas can cause pain.
Can osteosarcoma be caused by radiation therapy?
The exact cause is unknown in most individuals, but osteosarcoma can be induced by radiation. Most individuals are treated with a combination of chemotherapy and surgery. Sometimes, radiation therapy may be used. The most commonly affected bones are the long bones of the legs.
