Osteosarcoma is the most common, aggressive form of malignant bone tumors. It arises from bone tissue within long tubular bones, develops rapidly, and quickly reaches the metastatic stage. Osteosarcoma develops in a young organism.
Causes
Scientists in Israel have not yet determined the exact cause of osteosarcoma formation. Only factors that increase the risk of developing the disease are identified. These include chemotherapy and radiation therapy that the patient previously underwent during the treatment of another type of tumor, and deforming osteitis (Paget's disease). Sometimes osteosarcoma becomes a companion of chronic osteomyelitis. Injuries are not considered causes of osteosarcoma development, but quite often the fact of an injury and atypical pain sensations prompt the patient to consult a doctor, who ultimately discovers the tumor.
Symptoms of Osteosarcoma
Initially, the disease presents symptoms in the form of mild pain, similar to joint pain. Then the pain intensifies as the neoplasm increases in size. The soft tissues adjacent to the affected part of the bone swell, a venous pattern is visible through the skin, the joint deforms, leading to limping. Subsequently, the pain becomes unbearable, and painkillers do not help. Osteosarcoma grows rapidly, malignant cells spread to the muscles, and enter the bone marrow. Through the blood, tumor cells reach the lungs and the brain, where they form metastases.
Diagnosis of Osteosarcoma in Israel
The initial diagnosis of osteosarcoma includes the physician determining the general clinical picture of the disease. After this, laboratory and instrumental examination methods are prescribed to the patient - X-ray, bone scanning, biopsy of the affected tissues. To detect metastases throughout the body, X-rays and computed tomography are performed.
Treatment of Osteosarcoma in Israel
The method of treating osteosarcoma is determined by the overall condition of the patient, the localization of the tumor, and the stage of its development. The first stage of osteosarcoma treatment is chemotherapy, aimed at reducing the tumor and suppressing small metastases. After this, surgery is scheduled for the patient in Israel, during which the affected bone segment is removed and replaced with a graft. Affected lymph nodes and metastases are also surgically removed. If the tumor is of significant size, has caused a fracture, and has affected surrounding soft tissues, the vascular and nervous system, limb amputation is performed.
Prevention
Timely detection of the tumor will help prevent irreversible processes and prolong the patient's life.