Osteosarcoma
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.
Osteosarcoma is cancer that starts in a bone. Osteosarcoma is commonly found inside the long bones of your body, such as your arm or leg bones. It may also grow on the surface of your bones or in soft tissue, such as muscles.
WHILE YOU ARE HERE:
Informed consent
is a legal document that explains the tests, treatments, or procedures that you may need. Informed consent means you understand what will be done and can make decisions about what you want. You give your permission when you sign the consent form. You can have someone sign this form for you if you are not able to sign it. You have the right to understand your medical care in words you know. Before you sign the consent form, understand the risks and benefits of what will be done. Make sure all your questions are answered.
An IV
is a small tube placed in your vein that is used to give you medicine or liquids.
Medicines:
- Pain medicine may be given. Do not wait until the pain is severe before you ask for more medicine.
- Antinausea medicine may be given to calm your stomach and prevent vomiting.
Tests:
- A bone scan is a test that shows the tumor and other damage to the bone. A radioactive liquid, called a tracer, is given through an IV. The tracer collects in your bones so problems show up better on the monitor.
- An x-ray may be used to check the size of your tumor, or to check for a bone fracture.
- A CT or MRI may show if the tumor affects other blood vessels, nerves, and tissues around it. You may be given contrast liquid before the pictures are taken to help healthcare providers see the bone and tumor better. Tell the healthcare provider if you have ever had an allergic reaction to contrast liquid. Do not enter the MRI room with anything metal. Metal can cause serious injury. Tell the healthcare provider if you have any metal in or on your body.
Treatment:
- Physical and occupational therapists teach you exercises to help improve movement and strength, and to decrease pain. They also teach you skills to help with your daily activities.
- Chemotherapy (chemo) is medicine used to treat cancer. Chemo works by killing cancer cells. Ask your healthcare provider for more information about chemo.
- Surgery may be needed to remove your tumor. The bones and tissues around your tumor may also need to be removed. Ask for more information about surgery.
- Radiation is a treatment that uses x-rays or gamma rays to kill cancer cells. You may need this treatment if your tumor cannot be removed through surgery. You may also need radiation along with chemo or surgery to treat your cancer.
Treatment options
The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.
RISKS:
- The osteosarcoma may grow back or spread, even after treatment. Chemotherapy may burn or damage your skin. You may feel tired and confused. Treatment may damage your organs, such as your heart or brain. You may have seizures, or go into a coma. During treatment, certain cells in your blood may decrease, and you may need a blood transfusion. You may develop weakened bones or unstable joints. If a bone graft is used, it may wear down and you may need another surgery.
- Without treatment, the cancer cells may spread to other areas of your body. This can damage other organs, such as your lungs. This can be life-threatening.
CARE AGREEMENT:
You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.© Copyright Merative 2025 Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.
The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
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Symptoms and treatments
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