Bone tumours

Question 1

What is the most common bone tumour in paediatric patients?

Answer 1

Osteosarcoma

Question 2

What is the typical age of presentation of osteosarcoma?

Answer 2

10-20 years

Question 3

What is the presentation of osteosarcoma?

Answer 3

Persistent bone pain
Pain is worse at night - may wake them or disturb sleep
Bone swelling
Palpable mass
Restricted movement of the joint
Prolonged onset

Question 4

Where is osteosarcoma most typically found?

Answer 4

In the metaphyses of long bones

Question 5

What is the first step after presentation?

Answer 5

Urgent 48 hour referral for X-ray

Question 6

What will be on X-ray of osteosarcoma?

Answer 6

Poorly defined lesion
Fluffy appearance

Question 7

What other investigations will be helpful in diagnosing and staging osteosarcoma?

Answer 7

MRI scan
CT scan
Bone scan
PET scan
Bone biopsy

Question 8

What might be seen in the blood work of someone with osteosarcoma?

Answer 8

Raised ALP

Question 9

What is the primary management of osteosarcoma?

Answer 9

Surgical resection of tumour, often with limb amputation
Chemotherapy

Question 10

What is the defintive diagnosis of osteosarcoma?

Answer 10

Bone biopsy