Go Back To Menu
Close
- Mailing Form
-
Medical Report*
-
Go Back To Menu
Osteosarcoma is a highly malignant tumor originating from bone cells, primarily affecting adolescents and children, especially those in active growth phases of the epiphysis. It often occurs in the diaphysis or epiphyseal regions of long bones, such as the femur, tibia, and proximal humerus. The disease rapidly invades bone tissue and disrupts bone structure. Osteosarcoma progression not only destroys bone but may also involve surrounding soft tissue, causing local functional impairment.
Globally, osteosarcoma has a higher incidence in Europe and the United States, particularly in developed countries where disease recognition and treatment are more advanced. In Southeast Asian countries such as Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Indonesia, diagnoses are increasing yearly with improved medical detection. Adolescents in these regions are particularly affected, and disparities in healthcare resources contribute to varying treatment outcomes. Without timely treatment, osteosarcoma may cause fractures, worsening pain, and even life-threatening complications.
Stage I: Localized osteosarcoma
The tumor is confined to the original bone tissue, without spreading to surrounding soft tissues or other organs. Most patients at this stage undergo radical surgery, and the 5-year survival rate is relatively high at about 70%-80%. Early diagnosis is crucial for improving prognosis.
Stage II: Local invasion
The tumor begins to break through the periosteum and invade nearby soft tissues, presenting as an enlarging local mass. Treatment becomes more difficult, requiring combined radiotherapy and chemotherapy, with the 5-year survival rate decreasing to 50%-60%.
Stage III: Regional metastasis
Cancer cells spread to nearby bones or lymph nodes. Symptoms become significant, treatment is complex, and the 5-year survival rate drops to about 30%-40%. Prognosis worsens significantly, requiring intensified therapy.
Stage IV: Distant metastasis
Metastatic lesions appear in distant organs, especially the lungs. The patient’s condition becomes critical, with the 5-year survival rate below 10%. The treatment goal shifts to life extension and symptom relief.
1. Persistent local pain
Early osteosarcoma often manifests as persistent dull pain in the affected area, gradually worsening, particularly at night or after activity. Patients may mistake it for sports injury, leading to delayed diagnosis.
2. Local swelling and mass
As the tumor enlarges, noticeable swelling develops in the affected area. The mass grows larger, feels hard, and is tender to touch. Severe cases may present with redness and mild warmth on the skin surface.
3. Restricted mobility
Tumor involvement of adjacent joints leads to limited mobility or stiffness. Limb function declines, and prolonged activity worsens pain, affecting quality of life.
4. Bone destruction and pathological fracture
Rapid tumor-induced bone destruction weakens the skeleton, causing pathological fractures under minimal force, often accompanied by severe pain and swelling.
5. Systemic symptoms
Some patients experience weight loss, persistent low-grade fever, fatigue, and night sweats, indicating heavy tumor burden or metastasis, requiring attention.
6. Skin changes and ulcers
Tumor compression of local vessels and lymphatic drainage may cause skin redness and swelling in the affected area. Severe cases may result in skin ulceration with exudate.
7. Regional lymph node enlargement
When cancer cells spread to nearby lymph nodes, palpable enlarged nodes may appear, often tender, indicating lymphatic metastasis.
8. Respiratory symptoms
Patients with lung metastases may develop persistent cough, chest pain, and dyspnea. Severe cases impair respiratory function, requiring timely pulmonary evaluation.
9. Neurological manifestations
Tumor compression of nearby nerves may cause numbness, tingling, sensory loss, or even motor impairment, affecting limb function and daily independence.
Experts at United Life International Medical Center emphasize that osteosarcoma, as a highly malignant bone tumor, often has inconspicuous early symptoms that are easily overlooked, leading to high risks of delayed treatment. Immune reconstruction cell therapy, as an emerging adjunct therapy, can effectively enhance immune function and help control tumor progression. Experts recommend that adolescents, in particular, pay attention to abnormal bone pain and swelling for early detection and treatment, significantly improving survival rates and quality of life.
