What should you know about human osteosarcoma?

Osteosarcoma is a cancer in which abnormal cells form immature bone. It most often develops in the long bones near a joint, although other bones can be involved. Pain, swelling, tenderness, reduced movement or a limp may occur. A bone can become weaker at the tumour site, so an injury may lead to a fracture.

Assessment may include an examination, plain X-ray, magnetic resonance imaging and scans of other parts of the body. A planned biopsy is used to examine tissue and confirm the diagnosis. The biopsy route matters because it may affect later surgery, so it should be arranged by the specialist team.

Ask for referral to a team that treats bone tumours before having an unplanned procedure on the area. The treatment plan commonly considers chemotherapy and surgery together. Tumour removal surgery aims to remove the affected bone and surrounding tissue while preserving function when possible; reconstruction may be discussed.

Follow advice about weight-bearing and activity, particularly if the bone is fragile. Record pain, swelling, movement limits and any change after an injury. Ask about physiotherapy, pain control, school or work adjustments, and how treatment may affect daily activities.

Get urgent help for sudden severe bone pain after a minor injury, a new deformity, inability to use the limb, numbness, a cold or pale hand or foot, or rapidly increasing swelling. During treatment, contact the oncology team urgently for fever, breathing difficulty, uncontrolled vomiting or marked weakness.

Which bone and section of the bone are involved? Has imaging shown disease elsewhere? Where will the biopsy be performed? How will chemotherapy and surgery be sequenced? What reconstruction and rehabilitation options are available? Which activities should I avoid while the bone is vulnerable?