Diseases
osteosarcoma
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Overview
Osteosarcoma is a type of bone cancer that begins in the cells that form bones. Osteosarcoma is most often found in the long bones — more often the legs, but sometimes the arms — but it can start in any bone. In very rare instances, it occurs in soft tissue outside the bone.
Symptoms
- swelling near a bone
- bone or joint pain
- bone injury or bone break for no clear reason
Causes
- it's not clear what causes osteosarcoma. doctors know this cancer forms when something goes wrong in one of the cells that are responsible for making new bone.
Risk factors
- previous treatment with radiation therapy
- other bone disorders, such as paget's disease of bone and fibrous dysplasia
- certain inherited or genetic conditions, including hereditary retinoblastoma,
Diagnosis
- imaging tests eg, (x-rays, ct scan, mri)
- removing a sample of cells for testing (biopsy)
Medicines used
Frequently asked questions
What is osteosarcoma?
Osteosarcoma is a type of bone cancer that begins in the cells that form bones. Osteosarcoma is most often found in the long bones — more often the legs, but sometimes the arms — but it can start in any bone. In very rare instances, it occurs in soft tissue outside the bone.
What are the symptoms of osteosarcoma?
swelling near a bone, bone or joint pain, bone injury or bone break for no clear reason
What causes osteosarcoma?
it's not clear what causes osteosarcoma. doctors know this cancer forms when something goes wrong in one of the cells that are responsible for making new bone.
Which medicines are used for osteosarcoma?
methotrexate
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