Symptoms of Osteosarcoma Cancer

Osteosarcoma cancer is the most common type of bone cancer and the 6th most common form of childhood cancer. It affects approximately 2.4 percent of all pediatric patients and makes up around 20 percent of all primary bone cancer conditions, affecting about 400 children under the age of 20 and 500 adults a year. Symptoms of osteosarcoma cancer vary and it is generally treated with a radical surgical procedure, but is also treated in other ways, depending on the progression of the cancer. While the causes of this type of cancer are not known, genetics and previous radiation exposure from treatments for other forms of cancer increase the risk of developing it.

Common Symptoms

One of the most common symptoms of osteosarcoma cancer is pain. It comes and goes at first and becomes more severe and constant over time. It is often worse while exercising or in the evenings. Pain while at rest or pain that wakes you up at night are signs for concern. Swelling is generally present if the tumor becomes large. Another symptom is an unexplained limp. Also, the effected bone is usually not as strong as a normal bone and can fracture under less pressure than normal.

It is important to see a doctor if these signs are present, especially if the pain is bad enough to wake you up at night. Long-term survival probabilities have greatly improved in recent decades and proper diagnosis and treatment is very important for recovery.