Osteosarcoma is a type of cancer that starts in bone cells. The cancer cells change the bones to grow faster than normal bones, forming immature, irregular, diseased bones (see the image below). Most often osteosarcoma occurs in the long bones of the leg, especially in the femur or tibia near the knee. Rarely, osteosarcoma can also start in the arms or chest. Osteosarcoma is one of several types of sarcomas, which are cancers that begin in cells that line or cover tissues such as tendons, muscles, or joints.
The outlook for osteosarcoma has improved greatly over the years due to treatment innovations. However, the prognosis varies from person to person. It is important to see your doctor if you have any symptoms that worry you. Your doctor can help you make an appointment with a specialist to be evaluated and diagnosed.
A bone scan can help your doctor find out if you have osteosarcoma and where it is located. A special machine called an X-ray is used to take pictures of your bones. These X-rays will show the area of your bone with the tumor. A bone biopsy can be done by a doctor with special training who takes out a small piece of the tumor. This sample is then looked at under a microscope to check for cancerous cells.
If the bone biopsy shows that you have osteosarcoma, your doctor will probably give you chemotherapy. Chemotherapy is a group of medicines that kill cancer cells and slow the growth of new cancer cells. Some people will need surgery and radiation therapy along with chemotherapy.
People who have osteosarcoma may have many side effects from the chemotherapy and radiation they receive. The side effects of chemotherapy can include nausea, vomiting, hair loss, and changes in your blood counts. If the chemotherapy causes kidney problems, your doctor may give you medicine to protect your kidneys.
When you have osteosarcoma, you need to follow up with your doctor often. Your doctor will want to know if the cancer is still there and if it has spread. You will need regular X-rays and blood tests to look for cancer in other places in your body.
If you or your child have osteosarcoma, you can learn more about it and how to treat it at Mayo Clinic Health Library. You can also get answers to questions you have about coping with cancer and getting support. You can also get expert advice by calling Mayo Clinic Connect to talk with a health care provider.
