Osteosarcoma

What Is Osteosarcoma?

Osteosarcoma is the most common cancer to come from the bone itself.

It typically presents in the:

• Femur (thighbone)
• Tibia (shinbone)
• Humerus (arm bone)
• Pelvis

Osteosarcoma risk factors

Osteosarcoma generally affects teenagers and young adults.

It can also occur in people who have:

• Had bone radiation for other diseases.
• A history of genetic predisposition to cancer (retinoblastoma or Li-Fraumeni Syndrome).

Osteosarcoma Symptoms

Symptoms of osteosarcoma include:

• Pain with activities that often gets worse and affects sleep.
• A mass or “lump” at the site of the tumor.
• Fractures, in some cases.

Osteosarcoma Treatment

Osteosarcoma is both treatable and curable.

The common treatment is chemotherapy and surgery.

Make an Appointment for Osteosarcoma Care

To request an appointment with an orthopaedic expert at UPMC's musculoskeletal oncology program or learn about bone cancer care:

• Complete an appointment request form online.
• Call 1-866-987-ORTHO (6784).

Learn More About Bone Cancer

The links below will open a new browser window.

UPMC's HealthBeat Blog:

• What Is Bone Cancer?
• Genetics and Cancer: Why You Should Know Your Risk

From our Health Library:

• About Osteosarcoma and Malignant Fibrous Histiocytoma of Bone (PDQ®): Treatment — Patient Information [NCI]