Ortho - Osteosarcoma Flashcards
What is osteosarcoma?
Type of bone cancer, commonly affects femur also tibia and humerus
What age is typically affected by osteosarcoma?
10-20 year olds
How does osteosarcoma present?
- Persistent bone pain
- Worse at night, can disturb or wake them
- Bone swelling
- Palpable mass
- Restricted joint movements
How is osteosarcoma diagnosed?
Very urgent direct access xray within 48 hours of presenting with unexplained bone pain or swelling
If possible sarcoma urgent specialist assessment within 48 hours
What do xrays show in osteosarcoma?
Poorly defined lesion in bone
Destruction of normal bone with fluffy appearance
Periosteal reaction
Sun-burst apperance
Associated soft tissue mass
What do blood tests show in osteosarcoma?
Raised ALP
What further investigations are used to define the lesion and stage the cancer?
CT scan
MRI scan
Bone scan
PET scan
Bone biopsy
How are osteosarcomas managed?
Surgical resection of the lesion
Often limb amputation alongside adjuvant chemotherapy to improve outcomes
MDT input
- Paediatric oncologists and surgeons
- Specialist nurses
- Physiotherapy
- Occupational therapy
- Psychology
- Dietician
- Prosthetics and orthotics
- Social services
What are the main complications of osteosarcoma?
Pathological bone fractures
Metastasis
