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Osteosarcoma

Medical Questions » Osteosarcoma
Name: Osteosarcoma
Also known as: Osteogenic Sarcoma
A form of bone cancer that occurs in teenagers and young adults, and is more common in males than females. The knee and elbow are the most commonly affected areas.
Causes of Osteosarcoma
Unknown.
Symptoms of Osteosarcoma
Gradually increasing pain in the arm, leg or other affected bone. The cancer gradually enlarges, causing the covering skin to become warm and tender to touch.
Tests for Osteosarcoma
Blood tests can give clues to the existence of the cancer, but X-ray and bone biopsy are more important.
Treatment for Osteosarcoma
Amputation of the affected arm or leg, or surgical removal of as much cancerous bone as possible if the cancer occurs in other areas. Drugs and irradiation may also be used.
Complications of Osteosarcoma of its treatment
The cancer may spread to other organs, most commonly to the lungs.
Likely Outcome of Osteosarcoma
The outcome is better the further out along the limb the cancer develops. The overall cure rate is only 50%, for cancer in the forearm or lower leg it is 70%, but for cancers in the pelvis or breast bone, there are virtually no survivors.
       
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