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Osteosarcoma

Also called: Osteogenic sarcoma

The most common bone cancer, usually in teens near the knee or shoulder. Ongoing bone pain at night should be checked.

Typical age10 to 25, and over 60
Common sitesAround the knee and upper arm

Overview

Osteosarcoma is often first thought to be a sports injury or growing pains. Pain that keeps getting worse, wakes a child at night, or comes with swelling needs an X-ray.

Treatment is chemotherapy before and after surgery. Most children have limb-sparing surgery that keeps the arm or leg.

Symptoms

Common signs:

  • Bone pain that gets worse over weeks, often at night
  • Swelling or a lump near a joint

Less common

  • Limping
  • Bone that breaks with little injury
  • Trouble moving the joint

Look up a symptom: Bone loss, or a broken bone from a minor fall · Bone pain that's constant or worse at night, or a lump on a bone or deep in a muscle · Child limping or refusing to walk · Leg aches at night in a child · Painless lump that's growing or won't go away

When to get medical care

Call 911Trouble breathing, heavy bleeding, a seizure, sudden confusion, or fainting: call 911.
Get care todayFever during cancer treatment, or new or quickly worsening symptoms.
See a doctor soonSymptoms lasting more than 2 to 3 weeks.

Causes

Changes in a cell's genes that make it grow out of control. Most happen by chance; some are linked to the risk factors below or to inherited genes.

Does it spread or run in families?

  • Cancer isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone.

Who is more likely to get it

  • Teens and young adults
  • Past radiation
  • Paget's disease of bone (older adults)
  • Li-Fraumeni syndrome or hereditary retinoblastoma

Diagnosis

Tests look for the cause. Many people checked for these symptoms turn out not to have cancer.

Questions you may be asked

  • When symptoms started and whether they're getting worse
  • Family history of cancer
  • Past illnesses, treatments, and exposures

The exam

A physical exam, focused on where the symptoms are.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

  • X-ray and MRI:
  • Biopsy: Done at the treating center.
  • Chest CT and bone scan:

Treatment

Treatment depends on the type, stage, and your child's overall health. A cancer care team makes a plan with you.

Self-care

  • Write down symptoms and when they started
  • Bring someone with you to appointments
  • Ask for copies of test results
  • Ask about clinical trials: they can offer new treatments

Chemotherapy and surgery.

Prevention

To lower risk or find it early:

  • No known way to prevent it

Which doctor treats this

  • Start with your child's pediatrician.
  • They'll send you to a pediatric oncologist (children's cancer doctor) at a children's cancer center.

Living with it

  • Keep a simple notebook of symptoms, medicines, and questions for visits.
  • Ask for a survivorship care plan when treatment ends.
  • Gentle activity, like walking, can ease tiredness.
  • A cancer diagnosis can affect mood. Tell the care team if you or your family feel down or anxious.

Support groups and helplines

Back to school, work, or sports

  • Most children can return to school during or after treatment.
  • Ask the care team about a school liaison and a 504 plan or IEP for extra help.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

  • Children: Children with cancer do best at a children's cancer center, where care teams also help with school, growth, and long-term health.

For caregivers

  • Go to visits when you can and take notes.
  • Keep a list of medicines, allergies, and doctors in one place.
  • Learn the warning signs that need fast care, like fever during treatment.
  • Take breaks and ask for help. Caregivers need care too.

Outlook

Outlook depends on the type and stage. Cancers found early are usually easier to treat, and treatments keep improving.

Support is available: ask about social workers, nutrition help, and support groups.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

  • A list of medicines and supplements
  • Notes on when symptoms started
  • Past test results and scans

Questions to ask

  • Can the limb be saved?
  • Where should the biopsy be done?
  • What stage is it, and what are the treatment options?
  • Are there clinical trials for my child?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Osteosarcoma

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-13.