Page Contents
OVERVIEW
An osteosarcoma refers to a malignant primary bone tumor.
WHAT MAKES US SUSPECT IT?
Risk Factors:
Teenage boys,
Initial Presentation
- Tender soft tissue mass
- Absence of “constitutional symptoms”: no fever, weight loss, malaise, night sweats
CLINICAL WORKUP
Serum values:
- Alkaline phosphatase: elevated from increased turnover of damaged osteocytes
- Lactate dehydrogenase: elevated from increased turnover of damaged osteocytes
X-Ray imaging may reveal:
- Spiculated “sunburst” pattern
- Periosteal elevation (Codman triangle)
TREATMENT
Tumor excision
Chemotherapy
OTHER INFO
Most common primary bone tumor affecting children and young adults.
ARCHIVE OF STANDARDIZED EXAM QUESTIONS
This archive compiles standardized exam questions that relate to this topic.
Page Updated: 11.22.2016