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Osteosarcoma is a type of cancer that starts in the bones. Most commonly, this disease occurs in children and young adults. However, it can also develop in the older generation.
This cancer can affect any bone, though its most common locations are in the long bones of the legs and arms. Very rarely, osteosarcoma can be found in soft tissue.
The treatments for osteosarcoma have evolved to help patients with this disease. However, those who are treated with osteosarcoma often deal with severe complications associated with the treatment. Therefore, healthcare specialists recommend long-term monitoring after the therapy that may last a lifetime.
What is Osteosarcoma?
Osteosarcoma is a type of cancerous tumour that arises from the bone. It is normally found in the long bones like the arms, legs, and pelvis, and usually affects those between 10 and 30 years old. Osteosarcoma is the most common malignant tumour that arises from the bone and is known for its aggressiveness, which is why it must be treated as early as possible to stop the progression of the cancer.
The tumour originates in osteoblasts responsible for developing new bone tissue. Osteosarcoma occurs in the growth cone of bones, which is where bones are still growing in a child. Because of this aggressive nature, the underlying bone tissue can be destroyed by the cancer, leading to pain and swelling.
Osteosarcoma progresses fast, which makes early detection and intervention necessary. The treatment methods include chemotherapy, surgery, and, in some cases, radiotherapy. In cases of advanced conditions where cancer has spread to the lung, better treatment methods will have to be applied.
There are two main forms of osteosarcoma, a kind of bone cancer: surface (peripheral) and central (medullary). Based on microscopic analysis of cancer cells, each kind exhibits unique subgroups.
Central/Medullary Osteosarcoma Subtypes
Osteoblastic, chondroblastic, fibroblastic, and mixed forms are among the subtypes of conventional central osteosarcoma. The types of cells visible under a microscope determine the differences between these subtypes.
Telangiectatic Osteosarcoma: This subtype is somewhat uncommon and is characterised by extensive cystic or blood-filled areas inside the tumour.
A less aggressive variant of osteosarcoma is known as intraosseous well-differentiated or low-grade central osteosarcoma.
Small Cell Osteosarcoma: This uncommon subtype may have a more aggressive clinical history and is marked by small, homogeneous tumour cells.
Surface/Peripheral Osteosarcoma Subtypes
Parosteal Well-Differentiated or Low-Grade Osteosarcoma (Juxtacortical Osteosarcoma): This subtype typically has a better prognosis than other varieties and arises from the outer layer of the bone, frequently close to the bone surface.
Periosteal Osteosarcoma: This subtype develops beneath the periosteum, the fibrous membrane that covers the outer surface of bones, and is usually low to intermediate grade.
High-Grade Surface Osteosarcoma: This subtype manifests as aggressive tumours that develop on the surface of bones, frequently in soft tissue that is close to the bone.
Osteogenic Sarcoma Grades
Osteogenic sarcomas are classified by providers into three classes based on how rapidly they will metastasise:
Low-grade Osteosarcoma
Central osteosarcoma, another name for low-grade osteosarcoma, grows very slowly and is usually easily treated. Under a microscope, it resembles a typical bone nearly exactly. Low-grade osteosarcoma is frequently misdiagnosed due to this and the fact that it is incredibly uncommon.
Intermediate-grade Osteosarcoma
Some osteosarcoma subtypes fall into the intermediate-grade group because they are neither severe enough to be categorised as high-grade nor as mild as low-grade osteosarcomas.
High-grade Osteosarcoma
Under a microscope, high-grade osteosarcomas do not resemble normal bone tissue and grow quickly.
There are a number of choices for treating osteosarcoma in Delhi. The location of the tumour, the cancer's stage, and the patient's general condition all influence the therapy option.
Surgery
Osteosarcoma is frequently treated primarily with surgery. The tumour and the surrounding margin of healthy tissue are removed during the surgical operation. Limb salvage surgery, in which only a section of the bone is removed and replaced with a metal prosthesis or a bone graft from another area of the body, may be an option in some circumstances.
Cryosurgery
A method called cryosurgery uses extremely low temperatures to freeze and kill cancer cells. Cryosurgery may occasionally be used in conjunction with other therapeutic approaches or as an alternative to conventional surgery.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses potent medications to eradicate cancer cells all over the body. It is frequently used to reduce tumours before surgery, to eradicate any cancer cells that remain after surgery, or in situations where surgery is not feasible.
Radiation Therapy
High-energy beams are used in radiation therapy to destroy cancer cells. It can be used to reduce tumours before to surgery or to eradicate any cancer cells that remain after surgery. In more severe cases, radiation therapy can also help reduce discomfort and enhance quality of life.
Targeted Therapy
A form of treatment known as "targeted therapy" focuses on particular substances or genes that contribute to the development of cancer. It may be used in conjunction with other treatments to help halt or delay the growth of osteosarcoma cells.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy combats cancer cells by strengthening the body's immune system. Immune cells may be activated to better identify and combat osteosarcoma cells.
Hormone Therapy
The treatment of hormone-sensitive bone malignancies is the primary use of hormone therapy. It entails inhibiting or blocking hormones that encourage the growth of cancer.
Amputation
Amputation may be required in certain situations if the cancer has spread far or is not responding to conventional therapies. The afflicted limb must be removed entirely during this treatment.
Rotation plasty
During a rotationplasty, the lower leg is turned and joined to the thigh after the damaged bone is removed. By employing the ankle joint like a knee joint, this improves the limb's functionality.
Depending on the necessary treatments, stage, and hospital, the total cost of osteosarcoma therapy in India usually ranges from 4500 to 9000 USD.
Types of Osteosarcoma Treatment in India with Cost
|
Treatment Type |
Approximate Cost (USD) |
|
Surgery |
$5,500 – $7,500 |
|
Chemotherapy |
$800 – $1,000 per cycle |
|
Targeted Therapy |
$1,500 – $2,500 per cycle |
|
Radiation Therapy |
$4,500 – $5,500 |
|
Rehabilitation & Prosthetics |
$1,500 – $2,000 |
Although some people with osteosarcoma may not initially exhibit any symptoms, the disease can present with a variety of symptoms. Osteosarcoma frequently manifests as the following signs and symptoms:
Bone Pain: One of the main signs of osteosarcoma is persistent bone pain, which can get worse at night or during physical exercise. The discomfort might be regional or diffuse, and it frequently happens at the cancer location.
Swelling or Lump: If the tumour is close to the body's surface, a discernible lump or swelling may appear over the affected bone. To the touch, the lump could feel solid or soft.
Restricted Range of Motion: Osteosarcoma tumours in or close to joints may result in stiffness and a restricted range of motion in the afflicted joint. This could make it harder to do daily tasks like bending or walking.
Bone Fractures: Even with little damage or stress, osteosarcoma weakens the afflicted bone, raising the risk of fractures. Fractures can happen on their own or as a result of minor injuries.
Limping or Favouring One Limb: Due to pain or discomfort, children with osteosarcoma in the leg bones may begin to favour one limb or acquire a limp.
Unexplained Weight Loss: People with osteosarcoma may occasionally experience fatigue, general malaise, or unexplained weight loss. These symptoms could be signs of systemic cancer effects or advanced disease.
Fatigue: Osteosarcoma-related pain and discomfort can cause weariness and low energy. The body's fight against cancer may also lead to fatigue.
Although the precise cause of osteosarcoma is unknown, a number of variables could play a role in its development:
Genetic Elements
Osteosarcoma may occasionally be predisposed to by genetic abnormalities or hereditary disorders. Osteosarcoma, for instance, is more common in those with Li-Fraumeni syndrome, Rothmund-Thomson syndrome, or inherited retinoblastoma.
Radiation Exposure
The risk of getting osteosarcoma later in life may be increased by prior exposure to high radiation doses, such as radiation therapy for other cancers. Many years after treatment, radiation-induced osteosarcoma usually appears in the affected area.
Bone Conditions
Osteosarcoma risk may be elevated by specific bone disorders or anomalies. For instance, people who suffer bone infarcts, fibrous dysplasia, or Paget's disease of the bone may be more likely to develop osteosarcoma in their afflicted bones.
Environmental Aspects
Some research points to a possible link between exposure to specific chemicals or toxins and an increased risk of bone cancer, even though specific environmental factors have not been conclusively linked to osteosarcoma. Nevertheless, further investigation is required to comprehend how environmental factors contribute to the development of osteosarcoma.
Gender and Age
During times of rapid bone growth, children, teenagers, and young adults are most likely to develop osteosarcoma. Osteosarcoma is also slightly more common in men than in women.
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