Osteosarcoma is divided into three types.

Written by Li Jie
Orthopedics
Updated on June 22, 2025
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Osteosarcoma, also known as osteogenic sarcoma, is a primary malignant tumor of the bone. It ranks second in incidence among primary bone tumors, following plasma cell myeloma. The traditional classification of osteosarcoma generally divides it into osteosarcoma and parosteal osteosarcoma. However, recent studies have shown significant changes in the subdivision of osteosarcoma, mainly due to differences in clinical radiology and histology, and currently, there is no universally accepted method. Some classification systems categorize osteosarcoma based on the precise location of the tumor in the bone, the degree of differentiation of the tumor, the components within the tumor, the number of lesions, and the condition of the bone itself. Common classifications include general osteosarcoma, capillary hemangioma-like osteosarcoma, small cell osteosarcoma, and traditional parosteal osteosarcoma.

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Written by Na Hong Wei
Orthopedics
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What is osteosarcoma?

Osteosarcoma is a type of malignant tumor that occurs in the bones, generally classified as stage IIb. Common sites for osteosarcoma include the distal part of the bone, the proximal tibia, and the proximal humerus. It most commonly affects adolescents. Clinically, it primarily presents as persistent pain, including nighttime pain. Swelling and limited joint function typically occur around the common sites. Additionally, there are general symptoms associated with cachexia, such as malnutrition, anemia, mild or high fever, or weight loss. Fourthly, it is very prone to causing pathological fractures. Many osteosarcoma patients seek medical attention due to these fractures. Thus, osteosarcoma is a serious malignancy in the bones with a generally poor prognosis. Diagnosis and treatment of osteosarcoma are crucial; upon confirmation, timely treatment is necessary. The primary treatment approach is a combination therapy centered around surgery, typically involving preoperative chemotherapy, followed by surgical treatment and postoperative chemotherapy. Currently, the five-year survival rate for osteosarcoma has significantly improved, reaching approximately 70% to over 80%.

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Written by Na Hong Wei
Orthopedics
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Osteosarcoma mainly metastasizes through

The main metastatic pathways of osteosarcoma are generally divided into three types. The first is hematogenous spread, which refers to the dispersal of tumor cells throughout the body via the bloodstream, typically settling in areas with slower blood flow which facilitates the deposition of these cells leading to local changes. The second is direct implantation, which involves tumor cells directly establishing themselves in the vicinity of the tumor's common sites, eventually leading to local metastasis. The third type is lymphatic spread, where tumor cells migrate through the lymphatic system, spreading along lymphatic vessels or pathways. Therefore, the main metastatic pathways of osteosarcoma are these three types. The primary sites of metastasis for osteosarcoma are mainly the lungs, but metastases can also occur in the brain or through other mechanisms.

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Written by Dai Ru
Orthopedics
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Is osteosarcoma bone cancer?

Osteosarcoma is a type of malignant tumor that originates from the bone. Bone cancer is a common term used by people to refer to bone tumors. The terms cancer and sarcoma are different mainly because of their different origins. Cancer primarily originates from epithelial tissue, such as liver cancer, lung cancer, etc. Because bones consist of mesenchymal cells, malignant tumors of the bone are called osteosarcomas, not bone cancer. Osteosarcomas commonly occur in children and adolescents and are a highly malignant type of bone tumor that require prompt treatment once diagnosed.

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Written by Cheng Bin
Orthopedics
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Can osteosarcoma be detected on an X-ray?

First of all, it should be noted that osteosarcoma can be detected in patients through imaging tests. For example, a localized MRI can clearly diagnose osteosarcoma. Once detected, it is necessary to actively pursue symptomatic treatment. Surgical removal is usually the main treatment method, involving the excision of the affected area. If necessary, the excision may need to be extended, or amputation may be required. After surgery, the excised specimen should be sent for pathological examination. Based on the results of the pathology test, further radiation therapy or chemotherapy can be completely sufficient. The results are generally quite good for most patients.

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Written by Na Hong Wei
Orthopedics
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How is osteosarcoma diagnosed?

Currently, the diagnosis of osteosarcoma in clinical settings primarily relies on a combination of clinical symptoms, imaging studies, and pathological findings. Clinically, osteosarcomas commonly occur in the distal femur, proximal tibia, and lower end of the humerus, manifesting as localized persistent pain, nocturnal pain, and swelling, often accompanied by superficial venous engorgement and increased skin temperature. Systemic symptoms of cachexia may appear, and even pathological fractures. Imaging is indispensable, revealing osteoblastic, osteolytic, or mixed osteolytic lesions, usually with a pronounced periosteal reaction, Codman's triangle (a common sign of malignancy), or sunburst patterns. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is very important for diagnosing bone tumors as it can indicate the tumor's boundaries and the extent of erosion. Additionally, PET-CT and radioactive isotope scanning are considered crucial for tumor diagnosis. Pathological examination is currently regarded as the gold standard for diagnosing osteosarcoma. This involves a biopsy, usually taking a small part of the tumor for examination from a molecular biology perspective. However, when performing a biopsy, it is important to note two things: first, it is preferable to take the biopsy intraoperatively; second, if there is no plan for systematic treatment of osteosarcoma, it is best not to proceed with a biopsy to avoid potentially accelerating the spread or even hastening metastasis. Therefore, the diagnosis of osteosarcoma must be approached with caution, requiring a combination of clinical symptoms, necessary auxiliary examinations, and pathological analysis.