Basics of Osteosarcoma
What are the Greek roots of the word "osteosarcoma" and what do they mean?
"Osteo" means bone and "sarcoma" means skin
What is the main cause of osteosarcoma?
There is no exact cause known.
What are two early symptoms of osteosarcoma?
Persistent, localized bone or joint pain, often mistaken for growing pains or sports injuries. Swelling or a lump over the bone or joint. Decreased movement in nearby joints. Fractures in weakened bones without a significant injury.
What is the main characteristic of Stage I osteosarcoma?
Tumor cells grow slowly, and the cancer is confined to the bone.
What is the survival rate for osteosarcoma patients?
Around 70-75% for localized cases, but lower for metastatic cases.
Who first described osteosarcoma and when?
British surgeon John Abernethy in 1804.
How does puberty increase the risk of osteosarcoma?
A lot of bone growth occurs during puberty
How can osteosarcoma-related pain be misinterpreted?
It can be mistaken for growing pains or sports injuries.
How is Stage III osteosarcoma different from Stage II?
In Stage III, cancer has spread to other parts of the same bone or nearby tissues, while Stage II is confined to the bone.
Name two emotional or physical challenges osteosarcoma survivors face.
Chronic pain and body dysmorphia due to limb loss or surgery.
Which age group is most affected by osteosarcoma and why?
Teenagers and young adults during puberty because of rapid bone growth.
What is Paget’s disease and how does it relate to osteosarcoma?
Paget’s disease causes abnormal and rapid bone growth, which increases the risk of developing osteosarcoma later in life.
Name three diagnostic methods for osteosarcoma.
Imaging tests (X-rays, MRIs, CT scans), bone scans, and biopsy.
What happens in Stage IV osteosarcoma, and where does it usually spread?
Cancer spreads to distant organs, most commonly the lungs and other bones.
Why is the rate of suicide and accidental death high among osteosarcoma survivors?
Survivors struggle with mental health issues and physical limitations, leading to a higher risk of both.
What are the three most common bones where osteosarcoma occurs?
Femur, tibia, and humerus.
Why does childhood exposure to radiation increase the risk of developing osteosarcoma?
Radiation can damage bone cells, leading to mutations that may cause cancer
What does a bone scan look for during osteosarcoma diagnosis?
It checks for additional areas of cancer spread in the bones.
What is the purpose of chemotherapy in osteosarcoma treatment?
To shrink the tumor before surgery and target cancer cells throughout the body.
What are targeted therapies, and how might they help in osteosarcoma treatment?
They involve creating drugs that attack specific genetic mutations or pathways in osteosarcoma cells.
How rare is osteosarcoma compared to other cancers?
It is a rare cancer, primarily affecting fewer than 1,000 people annually in the United States.
How can genetic testing help in managing osteosarcoma risk?
It identifies hereditary conditions that increase the risk of getting Osteosarcoma.
Why is a biopsy crucial in diagnosing osteosarcoma?
It confirms the presence of osteosarcoma by analyzing tumor cells under a microscope.
Which is the leat common type of treatment for osteosarcoma?
Radiation
How can immunotherapy assist in fighting osteosarcoma?
It enhances the body’s immune system to identify and destroy cancer cells.