The brochure Bone tumors contains comprehensive information about this disease. Please note this brochure is currently only available in Dutch. The most important information is provided below.
Causes
Little is known about what causes bone tumors. Something in the DNA was probably damaged during cell division. It is unclear what causes this error. Nor do we know exactly what suddenly starts the uninhibited division of cells. Sometimes an osteosarcoma is the result of past radiotherapy or chemotherapy treatment.
Symptoms
The main symptom is pain in or around the bone. The pain can be vague, but it can also be so severe that your child cannot sleep. Swelling is also common. The tumor can spread to a muscle or joint, preventing your child from making certain movements. Sometimes the bone is so weakened by the tumor that it breaks.
How is osteosarcoma diagnosed?
A piece of tumor tissue is removed under anesthesia and then examined under the microscope. Bones and lungs are X-rayed and various scans are performed as well. Bone marrow is extracted under sedation.
Treatment
Children with osteosarcoma are treated according to a protocol created by national and international experts. Treatment consists of chemotherapy, surgery and/or radiation.
Chance of recovery
The chance of recovery for children with osteosarcoma depends on the location and any metastases. The tumor's response to treatment is also an important factor. If the tumor is limited to one location, there is an 80-90% chance of recovery. Any metastases lower the chance of recovery.
Questions?
Children with an osteosarcoma are treated in the solid tumors department.