What is the difference between sarcoma and osteosarcoma?

Sarcomas are cancers that start in bone, muscle, connective tissue, blood vessels or fat, and can be found anywhere in the body. Types of primary bone cancers include: Osteosarcoma, also known as osteogenic sarcoma, is the most common type of bone cancer and typically starts in bone cells in the arms, legs or pelvis.

Is sarcoma the same as bone cancer?

Primary bone cancers (cancers that start in the bone itself) are also known as bone sarcomas. (Sarcomas are cancers that start in bone, muscle, fibrous tissue, blood vessels, fat tissue, as well as some other tissues. They can develop anywhere in the body.)

Is osteosarcoma highly malignant?

Osteosarcoma is a primary malignant tumour of the skeleton characterised by the direct formation of immature bone or osteoid tissue by the tumour cells. The classic osteosarcoma is a rare (0.2% of all malignant tumours) highly malignant tumour, with an estimated incidence of 3 cases/million population/year.

What type of cancer is osteosarcoma?

Osteosarcoma is a type of bone cancer that usually develops in the osteoblast cells that form bone. It happens most often in children, adolescents, and young adults. Approximately 800 new cases of osteosarcoma are reported each year in the U.S. Of these cases, about 400 are in children and teens.

Is osteosarcoma cancer curable?

Today, about 3 out of 4 people who have osteosarcoma can be cured if the cancer hasn’t spread to other parts of the body. Almost everyone who is treated with limb-sparing surgery ends up with that arm or leg working well. Many people who have osteosarcoma will need physical therapy for several months after surgery.

How serious is osteosarcoma?

Complications of osteosarcoma and its treatment include: Cancer that spreads (metastasizes). Osteosarcoma can spread from where it started to other areas, making treatment and recovery more difficult. Osteosarcoma that spreads most often spreads to the lungs and to other bones.

What is the life expectancy of someone with Stage 4 bone cancer?

Stage 4 bone cancer life expectancy. About 15 percent cases of bone cancer are diagnosed at stage 4 and bone cancer prognosis indicate nearly 32 percent survival rate at this stage.

What are the first signs of osteosarcoma, symptoms?

Signs and symptoms of osteosarcoma may include, among others: Swelling near a bone Bone or joint pain Bone injury or bone break for no clear reason

How is osteosarcoma diagnosed?

Osteosarcoma can be difficult to diagnose. X-rays and histopathology (an examination of tissue) are the primary diagnostic tests for osteosarcoma. Osteosarcomas have a lytic, or “moth-eaten” appearance on X-rays that is characteristic of the tumors.

What is the prognosis for spinal bone cancer?

Survival Rate. The mean survival rate of spinal cancer is up to 40% when treatments are instituted. Some forms may have as low as 8% survival rate and others as high as 84% depending on the location, type and prognostic factors of the patient.