Osteosarcoma in children
Osteosarcoma, or osteogenic sarcoma, is a cancer of the bone cells. It is a malignant tumour that can spread to almost any organ or tissue in the body. It usually starts in the ends of the bones of the legs or arms, but can be found in other bones. It is most commonly found in the distal femur (above the knee), the proximal tibia (below the knee), the proximal humerus (the arm below the shoulder). It can spread to almost any organ or tissue in the body, but tends to go to the lungs first. It often occurs in children and young people between 10 and 20 years old who are undergrowing a rapid growth spurt. It tends to appear in an area where there has been trauma, but the relationship between this injury and the risk of developing osteosarcoma is currently unknown.
Symptoms
The most common symptoms are pain in the area of the tumour and swelling or a lump.
Movement may cause pain to increase.
If the tumour is in the hip or leg the child may limp.
Who is affected by osteosarcoma in children?
Malignant neoplasms in children and adolescents are rare, but they are one of the most important causes of mortality in these age groups. Osteosarcoma represents 4% of cancers diagnosed in children throughout Spain. Every year in Spain there are around 40 new cases in children under 14 years of age.
Diagnosis
There are different tools to diagnose osteosarcoma:
- X-ray
- CT scan
- Magnetic resonance imaging
- Bone scintigraphy
- Tumour biopsy
These tests will help to determine the size and location of the tumour and whether it has spread to another part of the body. This information determines which phase it is in and is necessary to decide the best treatment to follow.
Typical treatment
Osteosarcoma is treated using two kinds of therapy: surgery (to save or amputate the limb) and chemotherapy.
Chemotherapy is usually given a few weeks before and after surgery. The type of surgery depends on the size and location of the tumour, and on the age of the child.
Prevention
There are currently no measures to prevent this kind of tumour.
