Osteosarcoma is the sixth leading childhood cancer, and it affects the
bones. Other cancers may spread to the bones when left untreated; however
osteosarcoma is unique because this form of cancer develops in the skeleton or
bone, and spreads to other parts of the body. Bone cancer develops from the
cell that causes growth, thus children are twice as likely to develop this
cancer during a growth spurt. Both males and females are affected, however boys
are at great risk because they are taller. Osteosarcoma is a random illness
that does not appear to be linked to a genetic defect, thus there is not way to
prevent the illness. Symptoms of osteosarcoma include:
Pain or Swelling in
Leg or Arm
Severe Pain after
Exercising
Unexplained Limp
Broken Bone (usually
first sign of bone cancer)
Children and teenagers who display any of these symptoms need to be examined
by a physician. The child will likely undergo an imaging procedure such as a
CAT scan or MRI. This will assist with locating affected areas of the skeleton.
Next, a bone biopsy will be preformed. Sadly, many children diagnosed with bone
cancer are in the advanced stages, which mean the cancer has spread to other
organs or tissues. Imaging tests will enable doctors to determine which areas
of the body are affected with cancer.