What is Osteosarcoma?
Osteosarcoma is a type of bone cancer that usually develops in the long bones of the legs or arms, particularly near the knee or shoulder. It is most common in teenagers, often during growth spurts, but can occur in younger children too.
The cancer starts in the cells that form new bone, causing abnormal bone tissue to grow. Osteosarcoma can sometimes spread to other parts of the body, most commonly the lungs.
Signs & Symptoms
Symptoms may include:
- persistent bone pain, often worse at night
- swelling or a lump around a bone
- stiffness or difficulty moving a limb
- unexplained limping
- pain that doesn’t improve with rest or usual pain relief
These symptoms can also be caused by common injuries, inflammation or growth-related pain and do not necessarily mean cancer.
How is it Diagnosed?
If osteosarcoma is suspected, your child will be referred to a specialist centre. Tests may include:
- X-rays – often the first investigation
- MRI or CT scans – to assess the size and location of the tumour
- bone scan or PET scan – to look for spread
- biopsy – to confirm the diagnosis and identify the exact tumour type
- blood tests – to support overall assessment
These tests help guide the most suitable treatment plan.
Treatment
Treatment for osteosarcoma usually involves a combination of chemotherapy and surgery. Chemotherapy helps shrink the tumour before surgery and is also given afterwards to reduce the risk of the cancer returning.
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Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is typically given first to shrink the tumour and treat any cancer cells that may have spread. It is delivered in cycles through a central line, with breaks in between for recovery. -
Surgery
Surgery aims to remove the tumour completely. Most children have limb-sparing surgery, which removes the tumour and replaces the affected section of bone with a metal implant or bone graft.
In some cases, amputation may be the safest option, depending on the tumour’s size and position. Children adapt very well with the right support and rehabilitation. -
Radiotherapy
Radiotherapy is not commonly used for osteosarcoma but may be considered in certain situations when surgery cannot remove the entire tumour. -
High-Dose Therapy and Stem Cell Transplant
Occasionally used if the cancer returns or does not respond as expected.
Supportive Care
Throughout treatment your child may receive:
- physiotherapy to support strength, mobility and rehabilitation
- medicines for pain, sickness or appetite changes
- antibiotics and infection prevention
- nutritional support
- psychological and emotional support
- school and activity support
Supportive care is especially important in bone cancers due to the physical and emotional impact of treatment.
Monitoring Response
Scans, blood tests and clinical assessments are used to monitor how well the tumour is responding to treatment and to plan surgery and follow-up care.
Outlook & Support
Many children and teenagers with osteosarcoma respond well to treatment, especially when the cancer is found early and has not spread. Long-term outcomes continue to improve with modern chemotherapy and surgical techniques.
During treatment your child will be cared for by a specialist children’s cancer team. Help is available with managing side effects, school, emotional wellbeing and practical concerns.
Lennox Children’s Cancer Fund will support your whole family from diagnosis, through treatment and beyond.
Key Facts
- Common Age: Most common in teenagers
- Survival: Around 65–70% for localised disease
- How common? A rare childhood cancer, most often affecting the limbs
