Overview

Osteosarcoma is a bone tumour that consists of malignant immature cells producing bone tissue. This is the most common bone cancer found in adolescents, which is more common in boys than in girls. Almost 80% of osteosarcomas nest in the distal part of the femur (in the femur on the knee side) or the proximal part of the tibia (in the tibia closer to the knee). Osteosarcoma can also occur in the proximal part of the humerus (in the humerus from the shoulder).

Of all childhood tumours, osteosarcoma is rare, while it is the most common bone tumour in children. The tumour occurs annually in about 2-3 children under 20 years old. Osteosarcomas are divided into tumours with a low, medium and high degree of malignancy. In children, the latter is mainly found, the so-called tumours with a high degree of malignancy.

The most common complaint is a persistent dull pain in a bone or joint, which is often worse at night during sleep. Over time, the pain increases rather than subsides. There may be swelling or a bump at the site of the tumour. If the tumour is localized in the bones of the legs, the child may limp. Osteosarcoma can also weaken and drain the muscles in the legs or arms.

Treatment of the disease

Specialists of the leading Israeli clinic Tel Aviv Medical Clinic help get rid of pathology. The department is equipped with the latest equipment, with the help of which it is possible to conduct a diagnostic examination with 100-th accuracy. Our medical staff has undergone special training and knows how to establish friendly relations with children. The wards of the department are spacious, cosy and equipped with everything necessary for the comfortable stay of mother and baby. Our employees provide small patients with round-the-clock control and care.

The most common treatment for osteosarcoma is a combination of ischemotherapy and surgical treatment, during which both the tumour and part of the nearby healthy tissue are removed. Mainly, treatment begins with chemotherapy, followed by surgery and then additional treatment (postoperative chemotherapy), less often used in combination with radiation therapy, hormone treatment or biological treatment. The goal of the treatment is to destroy the remaining cancer cells. These days, in most cases, surgeons can remove a tumour during surgery without amputating the limb. In the part where the tumour is removed along with the bone, a donor bone or prosthesis is installed.