Facts about osteogenic sarcoma
Also called osteosarcoma, osteogenic sarcoma usually occurs in the long bones, such as the arms (humerus), legs
What is it?
Also called osteosarcoma, osteogenic sarcoma usually occurs in the long bones, such as the arms (humerus), legs (femur/tibia) and pelvis, often at the ends of these bones near growth plates.
However, the cancer cells can also spread to other areas of the body such as the lungs, kidneys, adrenal gland, brain and heart.
Incidence
From a 2002 research by doctors Jennifer Nabaweesi, Elsie Kiguli-Malwadde and Michael Kawooya in Mulago Hospital, osteosarcoma was reported to be the most common primary malignant bone tumour, in patients aged 10 to 19.
Most of these patients came from the central and western regions.
In the US, about 400 children are diagnosed with osteosarcoma every year, accounting for nearly 3% of all childhood cancers.
Although the cancer mostly occurs in young people (10-30 years), about 10% of cases develop in people in their 60s and 70s. This cancer is rare during middle age.
Causes
It has been suggested that repeated trauma to an area of the bone may be a risk factor for developing this type of cancer. It is uncertain whether trauma is a cause or effect of the disease.
Cancer lesions in the bone can make that area of the bone weaker, thus, making injury more likely.
However, repeated injuries to a certain area of the bone may lead to increased production of osteoid tissue to repair the damaged area and this rapid production may lead to the malignancy.
Genetics may also play an important role. Children and adults with other hereditary abnormalities, have a high risk of developing osteosarcoma. Studies have linked it to exposure to ionising irradiation associated with radiation therapy for other types of cancer.
Symptoms
Diagnosis can be difficult, because the disease is easily confused with minor infections, effects of injury, glandular deficiencies, arthritis, vitamin deficiencies and benign tumours. Each child may experience different symptoms. These may include, but are not limited to:
The 2002 study in Mulago found that pain was the most common symptom.
lSwelling and/or redness at the site of the tumour.
Limping if it is in the leg.
Decreased movement of the affected limb.
The symptoms may resemble other conditions or medical problems. Always consult a doctor for a diagnosis.
How to avoid it
When identified early, osteosarcoma can be cured. Sometimes, the first sign may be a bone fracture. The tumour may cause weakness in the affected area of the bone.
For example, if your child breaks an arm during routine play, get him/her tested to ensure there is no underlying bone problem, such as a tumour or cyst. Have suspicious tumours examined radiographically, with X-rays and other imaging techniques, at three to six month intervals, especially when osteosarcoma presents in your family.
Treatment
Treatment will be determined based on a child’s age, health and medical history; extent of the disease and the child’s tolerance to specific medications and your preference.
Treatment may include, but is not limited to; surgery, amputation, drugs, radiation therapy, supportive care (for the side effects of treatment), antibiotics (to prevent and treat infections) and continued follow-up care (to determine response to treatment, detect recurrent disease, and manage the side effects of treatment).
As with any cancer, long-term survival varies from child to child. Every child is unique and treatment is structured around the child’s needs. Prompt medical attention and aggressive therapy are important for the best prognosis. Continuous follow-up care is essential for a child diagnosed with osteogenic sarcoma.
Side effects of radiation and chemotherapy, as well as second malignancies, can occur in survivors of osteogenic sarcoma. New methods are being discovered to improve treatment and reduce side effects.
Compiled by Hilary Bainemigisha
Also called osteosarcoma, osteogenic sarcoma usually occurs in the long bones, such as the arms (humerus), legs (femur/tibia) and pelvis, often at the ends of these bones near growth plates.
However, the cancer cells can also spread to other areas of the body such as the lungs, kidneys, adrenal gland, brain and heart.
Incidence
From a 2002 research by doctors Jennifer Nabaweesi, Elsie Kiguli-Malwadde and Michael Kawooya in Mulago Hospital, osteosarcoma was reported to be the most common primary malignant bone tumour, in patients aged 10 to 19.
Most of these patients came from the central and western regions.
In the US, about 400 children are diagnosed with osteosarcoma every year, accounting for nearly 3% of all childhood cancers.
Although the cancer mostly occurs in young people (10-30 years), about 10% of cases develop in people in their 60s and 70s. This cancer is rare during middle age.
Causes
It has been suggested that repeated trauma to an area of the bone may be a risk factor for developing this type of cancer. It is uncertain whether trauma is a cause or effect of the disease.
Cancer lesions in the bone can make that area of the bone weaker, thus, making injury more likely.
However, repeated injuries to a certain area of the bone may lead to increased production of osteoid tissue to repair the damaged area and this rapid production may lead to the malignancy.
Genetics may also play an important role. Children and adults with other hereditary abnormalities, have a high risk of developing osteosarcoma. Studies have linked it to exposure to ionising irradiation associated with radiation therapy for other types of cancer.
Symptoms
Diagnosis can be difficult, because the disease is easily confused with minor infections, effects of injury, glandular deficiencies, arthritis, vitamin deficiencies and benign tumours. Each child may experience different symptoms. These may include, but are not limited to:
The 2002 study in Mulago found that pain was the most common symptom.
lSwelling and/or redness at the site of the tumour.
Limping if it is in the leg.
Decreased movement of the affected limb.
The symptoms may resemble other conditions or medical problems. Always consult a doctor for a diagnosis.
How to avoid it
When identified early, osteosarcoma can be cured. Sometimes, the first sign may be a bone fracture. The tumour may cause weakness in the affected area of the bone.
For example, if your child breaks an arm during routine play, get him/her tested to ensure there is no underlying bone problem, such as a tumour or cyst. Have suspicious tumours examined radiographically, with X-rays and other imaging techniques, at three to six month intervals, especially when osteosarcoma presents in your family.
Treatment
Treatment will be determined based on a child’s age, health and medical history; extent of the disease and the child’s tolerance to specific medications and your preference.
Treatment may include, but is not limited to; surgery, amputation, drugs, radiation therapy, supportive care (for the side effects of treatment), antibiotics (to prevent and treat infections) and continued follow-up care (to determine response to treatment, detect recurrent disease, and manage the side effects of treatment).
As with any cancer, long-term survival varies from child to child. Every child is unique and treatment is structured around the child’s needs. Prompt medical attention and aggressive therapy are important for the best prognosis. Continuous follow-up care is essential for a child diagnosed with osteogenic sarcoma.
Side effects of radiation and chemotherapy, as well as second malignancies, can occur in survivors of osteogenic sarcoma. New methods are being discovered to improve treatment and reduce side effects.
Compiled by Hilary Bainemigisha