Osteosarcoma in Children: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Osteosarcoma, the most common bone cancer in children, primarily affects boys, tall children, and African-Americans. It typically occurs during growth spurts in early adolescence, with symptoms including bone pain, fractures, swelling, and limping.
This aggressive cancer can be localized or metastatic, staged using Enneking or Musculoskeletal Tumor Society guidelines. It often originates in the metaphyseal regions of long bones around the knee area in both children (average age 15) and adults over 60, or those with radiation treatment or retinoblastoma history.
Treatment usually involves chemotherapy before surgery. However, long-term complications include lung cancer spread and side effects from chemotherapy and surgery. Recurrence may require amputation or additional chemotherapy.
Osteosarcoma's prognosis is good if confined to the original bone, with a 75% cure rate, but drops to 30% if spread. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are crucial for improving outcomes in this serious bone cancer.
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