Osteosarcoma Flashcards
(10 cards)
What is it and what bones are commonly affected?
A type of bone cancer. The most common bone affected is the femur. Other common sites are the tibia and humerus.
Which age group is most affected?
Usually in adolescents and younger adults aged 10-20.
What is the presentation?
- persistent bone pain, particularly worse at night (can disturb or wake them from sleep)
- bone swelling
- palpable mass
- restricted joint movements
How is a diagnosis made?
Very urgent direct access x-ray within 48 hours for children with unexplained bone pain or swelling. If the x-ray suggests a possible sarcoma, they need very urgent specialist assessment within 48 hours.
What will an x-ray show?
- poorly defined lesion in the bone, with destruction of the normal bone and a ‘fluffy’ appearance
- there will be a periosteal reaction (irritation of the lining of the bone) that is classically describe as a ‘sun burst appearance’
- can be an associated soft tissue mass
What may blood tests show?
Raised ALP
What are other investigations to define the lesion and stage the cancer?
CT, MRI, bone scan, PET scan, bone biopsy.
What is the management?
Surgical resection of the lesion, often with a limb amputation. Adjuvant chemotherapy alongside surgery.
Who’s involved in the MDT?
Paediatric oncologists and surgeons, specialist nurses, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, psychology, dietician, prosthetics and orthotics, social services.
What are the main complications?
Pathological bone fractures, metastasis.
