Osteosarcoma

Gil, Ria Carle Guerra, Desiree

What is Osteosarcoma?
The most common primary malignant neoplasm of bone that occurs in children and young adults

Pathophysiology
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Osteoblast DNA mutation Malignant osteoblast (abnormal) Proliferation of abnormal osteoblast Formation of osteoid or immature bone Signs and symptoms are then observed such as pain, swelling, and tenderness.

Risk Factors:
Children Teenage growth spurt Tall for the age Previous treatment with radiation Benign and non-cancerous bone tumors Retinoblastoma Adult High fat diet Lack of exercise Smoking Drinking alcohol

Signs and Symptoms

Pain Joint tenderness or inflammation Fractures due to bone weakness Limited range of motion

Non-specific symptoms like fever, unintentional weight loss, fatigue, and anemia can also be symptoms of osteosarcoma. But they are also indicators of other less severe conditions.

Prognosis
The prognosis for patients diagnosed with Osteosarcoma depends primarily on whether metastases are detectable at diagnosis. Patients who present with metastases have a very poor prognosis, with long-term survival rates of less than 25%. For patients with initially localized disease, the prognosis depends mainly on 2 variables: resectability and response to chemotherapy. Those who have completely resectable disease and those whose tumors have an excellent histologic response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy have the best chance for cure.

Osteosarcoma

In x ray we can see Codman triangle

Codman triangle is a term used to describe the triangular area of new subperiosteal bone that is created when a lesion, often a tumour, raises the periosteum away from the bone. sun-burst" appearance on X-ray examination due to the tumor spicules of calcified bone radiating in right angles
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Codman triangle

Codman triangle

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Osteosarcoma

Codman's triangle

Osteosarcoma

NURSING MANAGEMENT
Provide quiet environment and calm activities to prevent or lessen pain. Provide comfort measure such as back rub, change position and use of heat or cold application. Encourage diversional activities Administer analgesics as indicated to maximal dose as needed. Encourage the patient to increase fluid intake. Encourage rest periods to prevent fatigue. Provide accurate information about the situation, medication and treatment. Assess muscle strength, gross and fine motor coordination. Provide pillows for cushion and support. Keep side rails up all the time.

Whats new in osteosarcoma research and treatment?

Researchers are learning more about the causes of osteosarcoma. It is hoped that knowing more about the DNA changes that cause this cancer will eventually result in specific treatments to correct these changes. Tests of gene changes called gene expression profiling might help predict the behavior of each tumor, such as how they will respond to certain types of chemotherapy. These are still being tested in clinical trials.

Reference: http://www.cancer.org/cancer/osteosarcoma/detailedguide/ osteosarcoma-new-research