"Osteosarcoma" (Bone Cancer)

Incidence:

• This cancer usually occurs in teenagers. Osteosarcoma accounts for about 5% of all childhood cancers. It is somewhat more likely to strike males than females.

Survival Rate:

• Low-grade - 80% - (Single lesion)
• Intermediate-grade - 70% - (Larger lesion, spread to lung)
• High-grade - 20%-40% - (Has spread throughout body)

Causes:

• Largely unknown.

Description:

• Osteosarcoma usually develops at the edges of the long bones. About 80-90% of these tumours develop in the ends of the long bones that form the knee. The second most common site for these tumours is in the ends of the upper arm bone close to the shoulder. Other sites include; the pelvis, shoulder and skull. Osteosarcomas are classified according to subtypes and grades, which are determined by x-rays and histological analysis.

Current Treatment Options:

• Treatment strategies include; Removal of the affected bone and surrounding tissue. This is done through amputation or limb salvage procedure; this remains the surgical treatment of choice. Chemotherapy has been proven to be effective in conjunction with surgery.