How is osteosarcoma formed?

Written by Zhang Ying Peng

Orthopedics

Updated on April 28, 2025

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The causes of osteosarcoma are not yet definitively determined, but it is generally believed to be closely related to trauma, genetics, and living environment. Osteosarcoma typically occurs in adolescents and is a highly malignant disease. If not treated promptly, it can lead to death within three to six months. After the diagnosis of osteosarcoma, amputation through surgery is the only effective treatment method. Amputation may extend the patient's survival period, but there is a high risk of recurrence, which can lead to death.

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Written by Wang Cheng Lin

Orthopedics

48sec

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early symptoms of osteosarcoma

The early symptoms of osteosarcoma mainly include the following types: First, pain - patients will experience obvious pain in the affected limb. Second, lumps - lumps can be felt on the affected limb, accompanying significant tenderness. The growth rate of such lumps is directly related to your pathology and the course of your disease; the more severe your condition, the larger the lump. Third, limping - limping is caused by chronic pain in the affected limb. Over time, there may also be limited joint mobility and muscle atrophy in the affected limb. Fourth, symptoms such as fever, weight loss, and anemia may occur. Furthermore, in the middle and late stages of osteosarcoma, pathological fractures might occur.

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Written by Na Hong Wei

Orthopedics

58sec

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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 Guan Yu Hua

Orthopedic Surgery

1min 5sec

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How big do osteosarcomas generally grow?

The size of osteosarcoma is generally difficult to measure. By undergoing radiographic examination, Codman's triangle and bone destruction can be observed in the patient's images, which can be diagnosed as osteosarcoma. Further biopsy is then required. Osteosarcoma typically presents as a mass approximately the size of a fist, and early stages may involve malignant pulmonary metastasis. By conducting a pulmonary CT scan, lesions and metastatic foci can be discovered, primarily indicating bone destruction and the presence of Codman's triangle. Such destruction can deform the normal bone structure, and abnormal masses may be palpable during physical examinations, presenting in irregular shapes. This condition is commonly seen and cannot be evaluated merely by the size of the osteosarcoma. Early stages may involve lung metastasis, progressing to advanced stages where the prognosis is poor and survival rates significantly decrease. Therefore, this disease generally requires early diagnosis and treatment.

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Written by Dai Ru

Orthopedics

40sec

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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 Zhang Ying Peng

Orthopedics

33sec

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How is osteosarcoma formed?

The causes of osteosarcoma are not yet definitively determined, but it is generally believed to be closely related to trauma, genetics, and living environment. Osteosarcoma typically occurs in adolescents and is a highly malignant disease. If not treated promptly, it can lead to death within three to six months. After the diagnosis of osteosarcoma, amputation through surgery is the only effective treatment method. Amputation may extend the patient's survival period, but there is a high risk of recurrence, which can lead to death.