Cancer that originates in the bone-forming cells. This causes joint pain, swelling, bone injury or bone fractures.

Symptoms 

• Bone pain
• Localised swelling
• Bone fractures
• Limping

Causes

• The exact cause of osteosarcoma is not known. It results from mutations (genetic defects) in bone cells.
• Li-Fraumeni syndrome caused due to mutations in tumor suppressor gene called TP53
• Mutation in retinoblastoma gene
• Bone dysplasias such as Paget's disease, enchondromatosis, and hereditary multiple exostoses
• Exposure to radiation

Screening Options available at JNCHRC

• X-ray: X-ray of bones is taken to identify the tumour.
• CT scan: To identify the size and location of the tumour.
• Bone scan: Can show details that might have been missed by other tests. Can also detect if the cancer has spread to other bones.
• Biopsy: A tissue sample from the tumour is obtained for further analysis. This is the confirmatory test.