Osteosarcoma is the second most prevalent bone cancer that typically effects the leg bones and causes knee pain. This cancer is found in just as many children as adults.
Learn about the causes, diagnoses and treatment of chronic pain due to Osteosarcoma.
What to Expect with Osteosarcoma:
As with many types of cancer – Causes, treatment and long-term outlook can vary widely from person to person. This article is meant to give a general overview of the topic.
Symptoms of Osteosarcoma may resemble that of other health issues: Swelling in the limb, pain, limping, or decreased movement. That is why it’s so important to get the proper diagnoses.
Diagnosing Osteosarcoma:
Looking through a patient’s medical history is an important first step to determine any risk factors (inherited disorders, previous radiation treatment, growth spurts etc). A physical examination is next. The final step is a set of scans chosen by a doctor.
- Bone Scan: Shows degenerative changes in the joints as well as tumors in the bone.
- X-Ray: Also provides imaging of the bones as well as organs and tissue.
- MRI: Typically shows any masses within the body and can be used to find any additional spreading of tumors.
Other imaging may be used. Blood tests are also a very useful piece of information for doctors. And finally, a biopsy of the mass may be removed at tested.
Treatment:
Again, treatment will vary widely depending on the patient’s age, medicine tolerances, extent of the cancer, and even the patient’s preferences.
During the course of treatment, however, many patients may continue to experience pain. There are options to decrease the pain that comes from the cancer itself as well as treatment. These options can help a patient enjoy daily activities more.
In general, opioids would be prescribed for moderate to severe bone pain. However, there are other noninvasive options with far less side effects. One example is using a type of ablation to heat up and deaden the nerves near the tumor site. This would provide pain relief and possibly help with killing the tumor cells as well.
If you are suffering from cancer pain caused by Osteosarcoma or other cancer pain, then give us a call so we can see what treatment may be right for you.
