Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Bone Cancer

If you've been recently diagnosed with osteosarcoma, you probably have many thoughts running through your head and you may feel unable to think clearly. Your doctor will understand this. You should feel free to ask questions about any concerns you may have. Be sure to take a pen and pad with you, as you probably won't remember all the answers. If the doctor uses words you don't understand, ask for an explanation.

Introduction

Bone cancer can start in the bones (primary bone cancer) or spread to the bones from a different part of the body (bone metastases). Osteosarcoma is one type of primary bone cancer. It can occur at any age, but is most common in individuals between the ages of 10 and 30. In addition, about 10 percent of osteosarcomas are found in people over 60.

What Is Osteosarcoma?

Osteosarcoma is the most common type of cancer that starts in the bone. It is most common in children and adolescents. The cells that form osteosarcoma make bone matrix, the material that makes bone strong. But the bone matrix produced by osteosarcoma cells is not as strong as the bone matrix produced by normal bone cells.

What Causes Osteosarcoma?

In general, cancer begins when a genetic mutation (change in certain genes) turns normal, healthy cells into abnormal cells. Healthy cells grow and multiply at a set rate and eventually die at a set time. Abnormal cells grow and multiply out of control, and they do not die. The abnormal cells clump together to create a mass (tumor). Cancer cells invade nearby tissues and can separate from an initial tumor to spread to other parts of the body (metastasize).

What Are Signs and Symptoms of Osteosarcoma?

Sometimes, people with osteosarcoma do not have any symptoms. In other cases, their symptoms are similar to those of other medical conditions. Osteosarcoma can cause any of the signs and symptoms listed below.

What Are the Stages of Osteosarcoma?

The stages of osteosarcoma are used to describe how far the cancer has spread in your body. The higher the stage number, the more widespread the cancer is. These stages are important when choosing the best treatments for you.

To choose your treatment, your doctor will probably decide which of the following three stages best describes your osteosarcoma:

How Is Osteosarcoma Diagnosed?

If you have some of the symptoms of osteosarcoma, your doctor will begin your diagnosis with a medical history and physical exam.

• Medical history and physical examination - Your doctor will take a complete medical history by asking you about your risk factors, symptoms, and other health problems or concerns. The doctor will also do a physical exam to look for signs of osteosarcoma and other health problems.