OSTEOSARCOMA
common in males than in
Osteosarcoma is a type of
cancer that produces
immature bone.
It is the most common
type of cancer that arises
in bones, and it is usually
found at the end of long
bones, often around the
knee.
Most people diagnosed
with osteosarcoma are
under the age of 25
occur more often in
males than females.
ETILOGY
Scientists have not
discovered the cause of
most cases of
osteosarcoma.
Osteosarcoma can
develop as a result of
radiation to an area of
the body. It can also be
associated with specific
genetic changes and
diseases.
FACTORS THAT TRIGGERS
Age
The risk of osteosarcoma is
highest for those between
the ages of 10 and 30,
especially during the
teenage growth spurt
Gender
Osteosarcoma is more
females.
Radiation to bones
People who were treated
with radiation therapy for
another cancer might have
a higher risk of later
developing osteosarcoma in
the area that was treated.
Certain disease
o Pagets disease
o Inherited cancer
syndromes
DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES
MRI of the entire bone
where the primary tumor is
located. This test can rule
out "skip metastases"
(spread of the tumor to
other areas of the bone).
A chest x-ray and CT scan
of the chest to detect
lung metastases
A bone scan of the body
to rule out distant spread
of the disease
A biopsy of the tumor,
which provides a definite
diagnosis based on the
characteristics of tumor
tissue seen under a
microscope. The biopsy
will also show whether the
tumor is high grade (highly
malignant, which is the
case for most
 osteosarcomas) or low
grade.
Manifestations:
Localized pain at the site of
the tumor
Swelling, warmth, and redness
caused by the vascularity of
thetumor
Cough
Dyspnea
A child may limp or suffer a
pathologic fracture
actinomycin,
cyclophosphamide(Cytox
an), ifosfamide(Ifex), and
cisplatin are used
Carboplatin (Paraplatin)
Surgical
Amputation of affected
extremity
In most cases, surgery can
remove the tumor while sparing
theaffected limb (this is called
limb-salvage surgery)

Trauma may call attention to Nursing Diagnosis:

a pre-existing tumor
Acute pain related to
Bone fracture (may occur physical injuring agents
after what seems like a
Ineffective breathing pattern
routinemovement)
related to musculoskeletal
Bone pain impairment asevidenced by
usage of accessory muscles in
Limitation of motion
breathing
Pain when lifting (if the tumor
Activity intolerance related to
is in the arm)
pain
Muscle atrophy
Impaired social interaction
related to limited physical
mobility
Management:
Ineffective role performance
Medical:
related to body image
Chemotherapy High-dose alteration; physicalillness
methotrexate with leucovorin
Nursing Responsibilities:
citrovorum factor rescue
Assist child and family to cope
Doxorubicin
with the problem
(Adriamycin)combination
s of bleomycin,
Provide time for child and
family to accept the diagnosis

Encourage family and client

to verbalize

Post-operatively, child is fitted

with a prosthesis

Provide nursing care of post-

op amputation

Provide with normal growth

and development activities