Osteosarcoma imaging manifestations

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

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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.

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Written by Wang Cheng Lin
Orthopedics
56sec home-news-image

Osteosarcoma imaging manifestations

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.

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Written by Na Hong Wei
Orthopedics
1min 19sec home-news-image

What is osteosarcoma?

Osteosarcoma is a type of malignant tumor that occurs in the bones, generally classified as stage IIb. Common sites for osteosarcoma include the distal part of the bone, the proximal tibia, and the proximal humerus. It most commonly affects adolescents. Clinically, it primarily presents as persistent pain, including nighttime pain. Swelling and limited joint function typically occur around the common sites. Additionally, there are general symptoms associated with cachexia, such as malnutrition, anemia, mild or high fever, or weight loss. Fourthly, it is very prone to causing pathological fractures. Many osteosarcoma patients seek medical attention due to these fractures. Thus, osteosarcoma is a serious malignancy in the bones with a generally poor prognosis. Diagnosis and treatment of osteosarcoma are crucial; upon confirmation, timely treatment is necessary. The primary treatment approach is a combination therapy centered around surgery, typically involving preoperative chemotherapy, followed by surgical treatment and postoperative chemotherapy. Currently, the five-year survival rate for osteosarcoma has significantly improved, reaching approximately 70% to over 80%.

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Written by Fang Da Zheng
Orthopedics
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Are osteosarcomas sensitive to radiotherapy and chemotherapy?

Osteosarcoma is generally insensitive to radiotherapy, hence radiation therapy is not used for such diseases in clinical settings. Similarly, these diseases have a moderate sensitivity to chemotherapy, necessitating the use of relatively high doses of chemotherapy during treatment. The main mechanism of chemotherapy involves using a series of cytotoxic drugs to inhibit tumor growth. Although high-dose chemotherapy can effectively kill tumor cells, it can also damage some of the patient's normal cells, leading to severe reactions. If radical surgery is viable for these patients, then curative surgery is the preferred method of treatment.

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Written by Guan Yu Hua
Orthopedic Surgery
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Characteristics of Osteosarcoma

Osteosarcoma is a malignant tumor of the bone that primarily occurs in adolescents and young adults, commonly found at the metaphyseal ends of long bones. For example, it may occur at the distal end of the tibia, the distal end of the femur, or the metaphyseal end of the humerus. Clinically, the main symptom is pain, which is persistent and more noticeable at night, accompanied by a local mass, limited movement, increased local skin temperature, distended veins, and general symptoms such as weight loss and even cachexia. Some patients may experience pathological fractures. Often, there are no symptoms in the early stages, and by the time it is detected, it is usually in an intermediate or advanced stage. Radiographic examination typically shows a Codman's triangle or sunburst pattern. Early detection and treatment are crucial. The usual treatment choice is surgical, such as deactivation and reimplantation, or limb-salvage surgery with prosthetic implantation. Additionally, amputation followed by extensive chemotherapy is another option. With recent advances in chemotherapy, there has been significant improvement in life extension.