Osteosarcoma bone metastasis symptoms

Written by Na Hong Wei
Orthopedics
Updated on September 03, 2024
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The symptoms of osteosarcoma metastasis, osteosarcoma most commonly metastasizes to the lungs. If pulmonary metastasis occurs, there are at least two prominent characteristics. The first is that most metastatic tumors are located on the surface of the lungs and are rarely within the lung parenchyma, thus, they are not difficult to detect.

The second point is that most metastatic tumors predominantly present as multiple bilateral lung metastases. Isolated unilateral lung metastasis is very rare. Therefore, this characteristic determines that osteosarcoma lung metastasis can only be managed with local wedge-shaped or segmental lung resections as the basic comfort measure. In fact, this simple surgical approach often allows for complete removal of the metastatic tumors while preserving most of the normal lung tissue.

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Written by Na Hong Wei
Orthopedics
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Postoperative recurrence symptoms of osteosarcoma

Symptoms of recurrent osteosarcoma after surgery are generally consistent with the symptoms before the initial surgery. The main symptoms include: Firstly, localized pain, which is persistent, progressive, and does not alleviate, including pain that worsens at night. Secondly, localized swelling, which usually occurs around the surgical site if limb-sparing surgery was performed, or at the stump if amputation was done. Thirdly, the appearance of systemic cachexia and symptoms of metastasis. Systemic cachexia typically includes weight loss, anemia, fatigue, and loss of appetite. For osteosarcoma, metastasis primarily targets the lungs, where numerous cancerous shadows can be detected. Thus, the main recurrent symptoms of osteosarcoma after surgery include pain, swelling, and cachexia.

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Written by Guan Jing Tao
Orthopedics
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How to alleviate the pain of osteosarcoma?

Pain in osteosarcoma patients is mostly caused by the cancer invading local bone tissue and other tissues, leading to pain, tenderness, and even sleeplessness. Therefore, the pain management follows a certain hierarchy, starting with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, followed by weak opioids, and finally strong opioids such as morphine. However, this only alleviates the pain and does not help with treatment. For early-stage osteosarcoma patients, pain management primarily involves surgery when necessary. For advanced-stage patients, it involves gradually increasing the dose of effective pain-relief medications to alleviate temporary pain. (Controlled drugs must be strictly used under the supervision of relevant physicians.)

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Written by Guan Yu Hua
Orthopedic Surgery
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Osteosarcoma Causes

Osteosarcoma is the most common malignant tumor of the bone and typically presents without symptoms in its early stages. The cause of osteosarcoma is unknown, and it often goes undetected until it has reached a moderate or advanced stage. It commonly develops at the distal end of the femur near the knee joint, at the proximal end of the tibia, or at the proximal end of the humerus, primarily at the end of the growth plate. The pain associated with osteosarcoma is usually persistent, especially severe at night, and can lead to symptoms such as anemia or general wasting. The tumor's surface may be warm to the touch, with prominent veins visible, and radiographic imaging might show a Codman's triangle, indicative of sunlight-like radiation patterns, as well as bone destruction and clear periosteal reaction. Surgical treatment is typically pursued, with amputation being the most common procedure, though limb-sparing surgeries are possible if the tumor is detected early enough. Some cases metastasize, most commonly to the lungs, requiring continued high-dose chemotherapy post-surgery to prolong survival. Generally, the five-year survival rate for osteosarcoma can exceed 50% with early diagnosis and treatment. The chances of survival heavily depend on the individual’s constitution, the timing of tumor detection, and the surgical intervention. The exact causes of osteosarcoma are unclear, and the potential for metastasis complicates treatment. Therefore, early surgical intervention is crucial for improving survival rates and enabling patients to maintain a normal life and work activities.

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Written by Na Hong Wei
Orthopedics
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What is osteosarcoma?

Firstly, osteosarcoma is a common type of malignant tumor, characterized by a mechanism that produces bone-like tissue. It has multiple subtypes and can also develop into a secondary osteosarcoma. Secondly, it commonly occurs in adolescents. Thirdly, it typically affects the proximal femur, distal tibia, and proximal humerus. Fourthly, common osteosarcomas are generally spindle-shaped, often located near joints. The surface may have elevated skin temperature and sometimes superficial vein distension is apparent. It often involves the entire bone, including the periosteum, cortical bone, and bone cavity. Generally, the tumor appears as a very fine greyish-white or brownish-red fish-flesh-like change. Osteosarcoma is a malignant tumor and is particularly prone to lung metastasis. According to tumor staging, it is at least stage IIB, indicating that it should be detected, diagnosed, and treated early. The earlier the treatment, the better the outcome and the higher the five-year survival rate.

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Written by Wang Cheng Lin
Orthopedics
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Does osteosarcoma require amputation?

Do osteosarcomas require amputation? In the past, the likelihood of amputation for treating osteosarcoma was very high. However, currently, the rate of amputation is very low, and the limb-salvage rate is very high. This is due to a new chemotherapy protocol in medical practice, which involves initial chemotherapy followed by surgery, and then continued chemotherapy post-operatively. The limb-salvage rate with this treatment plan can reach about 75% to 80%. Therefore, currently, most osteosarcoma patients do not require amputation. Unlike the past, where amputation rates were very high, today's medical approach is very advanced, generally resulting in a very high rate of limb preservation for osteosarcoma patients.