Osteosarcoma imaging manifestations

Written by Wang Cheng Lin
Orthopedics
Updated on December 23, 2024
00:00
00:00

The radiological features of osteosarcoma start with an introduction to X-ray imaging. X-rays can show typical new bone formation and bone destruction, which are characteristic features of X-rays. Destruction of bone trabeculae can also be seen on X-rays. Additionally, the density of the tumor tissue increases, leading to a characteristic X-ray known as the Codman's triangle, which occurs when the tumor penetrates the bone and pushes up the periosteum, creating a unique image of Codman's triangle. The second examination includes CT scans and MRI, which are primarily used to determine the nature and extent of the bone tumor, and whether there is infiltration into the surrounding soft tissues. The third radiological examination is a nuclear bone scan, which is primarily important for determining whether the myeloma has metastasized to distant sites.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Jie
Orthopedics
56sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Guan Yu Hua
Orthopedic Surgery
1min 25sec home-news-image

What does osteosarcoma feel like to the touch?

Osteosarcoma is a malignant tumor that consumes bone and typically shows no symptoms in its early stages. By the time symptoms are recognized, it is usually in the mid to late stages. There might be localized masses; upon discovery of such masses, a visit to the hospital for diagnostic imaging is needed. Radiological examinations reveal characteristic signs such as sunburst appearance and Codman's triangle on X-rays. Further investigation with MRI or CT scans is necessary, followed by a biopsy for confirmation. During physical examination for this type of osteosarcoma, a localized mass may be found typically around the proximal tibia or distal femur, mainly around the metaphyseal ends. The mass may be accompanied by localized heat and pain, with nocturnal pain being more pronounced. Additionally, patients might show varying degrees of weight loss. Generally, osteosarcoma can be diagnosed through physical examination and radiological findings, followed by a confirmatory biopsy. Early stages require surgical intervention. Furthermore, osteosarcomas have a high rate of early pulmonary metastasis. Using extensive chemotherapy can improve patient survival time. With rapid advancements in chemotherapy, the five-year survival rate can reach about 50%.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Peng Li Bo
Oncology
41sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Wang Cheng Lin
Orthopedics
55sec home-news-image

Can osteosarcoma be detected by ultrasound?

Osteosarcomas are generally difficult to diagnose through ultrasound. The diagnosis of osteosarcoma mainly relies on the following methods. The first method is X-rays. X-rays can reveal a typical Codman's triangle appearing in the bone. The second method involves using CT and MRI to detect the extent of the tumor and to see if there is extensive infiltration around it. The third method is nuclear bone scanning. The main significance of nuclear bone scanning is to detect bone tumors early and to distinguish whether there has been any metastasis in the later stages. The fourth method is the gold standard, which is to perform a biopsy. However, this test is invasive, requiring the cutting of tissue from the osteosarcoma for pathological examination. Of course, this method provides the highest accuracy and positive rate.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Wang Cheng Lin
Orthopedics
51sec home-news-image

Do benign osteosarcomas use chemotherapy?

First of all, all osteosarcomas are malignant; osteosarcoma is a type of malignant tumor with no benign variant. Regarding the treatment of osteosarcoma, the first step is chemotherapy. After confirming the diagnosis through pathological examination and confirming it is osteosarcoma, The first step is chemotherapy, which can stabilize the tumor cells; Then, the main tissue is surgically removed, as well as the surrounding infiltrated soft tissue; The third step is to use chemotherapy again to eliminate the residual cancer cells. This treatment protocol of chemotherapy-surgery-chemotherapy is currently the most common and advanced method in the country. It can significantly improve the patient's survival rate, reduce the risk of amputation, and can also prevent the recurrence of osteosarcoma.