Can osteosarcoma be cured?

Written by Guan Yu Hua
Orthopedic Surgery
Updated on January 16, 2025
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Osteosarcoma is a malignant tumor of the bone, commonly occurring in adolescents and young adults, primarily near the proximal end of the tibia, the distal ancient end, or near the proximal end of the humerus, most frequently seen at the end of the bone shaft. In the early stages, there are no symptoms, and once detected, it is usually in the middle to late stages. An X-ray examination can be used for diagnosis, often showing a Codman's triangle or a sunburst pattern. Osteosarcoma generally needs early detection and treatment. If a primary lesion is present, surgical treatment can be pursued, including procedures such as resection with inactivation and reimplantation or limb-sparing surgery with a prosthesis. Another option is amputation, followed by extensive chemotherapy. The likelihood of osteosarcoma spreading to the lungs is very high. In recent years, with early diagnostic physical examinations and the rapid development of chemotherapy, the five-year survival rate for osteosarcoma can reach 50%.

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Written by Guan Jing Tao
Orthopedics
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Does osteosarcoma spread through blood?

As far as we know, osteosarcoma is not transmitted through blood or infectious. If osteosarcoma had such infectious characteristics, it would be transmitted in the same way as AIDS or other sexually transmitted diseases and would be classified as a contagious disease. However, there has been no notification or relevant guidelines to date indicating that osteosarcoma can be transmitted through blood. Therefore, normal contact with patients with osteosarcoma, or caring for patients with osteosarcoma, including sharing the same food or coming into contact with their blood, generally does not lead to the transmission or contraction of osteosarcoma.

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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 Li Jie
Orthopedics
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Symptoms of osteosarcoma recurrence

Osteosarcoma is a relatively common type of malignant bone tumor, ranking second in incidence among malignant bone tumors. Typically, upon the development of osteosarcoma, surgery is required to scrape out the tumor focus, followed by limb-sparing or amputation surgery. Additionally, adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy are employed. Generally, the local area may be maintained for a period, but the disease is prone to recurrence. There may be local recurrence at the site of surgery or distant recurrence, meaning tumor cells might seed and lead to tumors in other locations. Symptoms of both local and distant recurrences are similar to those at the initial onset, generally including significant pain, night pain, and rest pain. There will also be distinct X-ray signs of osteosarcoma in the bone. Furthermore, osteosarcoma may metastasize to the lungs, potentially causing symptoms such as cough, bloody sputum, phlegm, and fever—typical signs of intrapulmonary tumors. These are some of the common symptoms associated with the recurrence of osteosarcoma.

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Written by Peng Li Bo
Oncology
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The difference between sarcoma and osteosarcoma

The relationship between sarcoma and osteosarcoma is very simple; it is a relationship of containment where sarcoma includes osteosarcoma. Simply put, the concept of sarcoma is broader, and osteosarcoma is a subtype under it. Sarcoma itself also includes malignant tumors occurring in blood vessels, fat, nerves, and muscles, such as angiosarcoma, liposarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, and leiomyosarcoma, and, of course, osteosarcoma. However, both sarcoma and osteosarcoma are malignant tumors, and it's important to clarify this concept. Moreover, osteosarcoma is more common in young people.

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Written by Li Jie
Orthopedics
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Why is there a cough in osteosarcoma?

Osteosarcoma ranks second in the incidence of malignant tumors in the whole body's bones; its incidence is relatively high. It generally occurs in the long tubular bones, shafts, or epiphyseal areas of the limbs. Since the most common organ metastasis of osteosarcoma is to the lungs, if a patient with osteosarcoma develops a cough, it should be taken seriously, and it's recommended that the patient undergo a targeted examination such as a chest X-ray or a CT scan of the lungs to check for lung metastasis and any lesions on the lungs. However, there is no need to panic prematurely, as osteosarcoma patients might cough due to upper respiratory infections or lung infections, which doesn't necessarily indicate lung metastasis. Therefore, once a patient with osteosarcoma develops a cough, a targeted examination should suffice.