Cancer, an uninvited guest in the human body, emerges when cells rebel against their regulated growth patterns. Osteosarcoma, the primary instigator among bone cancers, stealthily infiltrates the very essence of our skeletal structure. Unlike its more discrete counterparts, osteosarcoma arises rather prominently, its cells mimicking premature bone cells in a misguided attempt to contribute to new bone tissue. Further, let's navigate the labyrinth of Osteosarcoma, shedding light on the unmistakable signs and symptoms accompanying its silent development.
Signs and Symptoms
“Osteosarcoma, comprising 36% of primary bone cancer cases, sets its stage predominantly in children, teenagers, and young adults. While it can strike any bone, it frequently chooses the areas where growth is rapid, such as the lower part of the thigh bone or the upper part of the shin bone,” said Dr Shivali Ahlawat, Lab Director, Oncquest Laboratories Ltd.
Pain in the affected bone, swelling around the site, increased discomfort with activity, limping, and decreased movement of the affected limb emerge as the telltale signs, urging attention and investigation.
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Diagnosis
“Early detection is paramount in the battle against osteosarcoma, with cure rates soaring between 60-70% when intervention occurs at the nascent stages. The journey to unravel Osteosarcoma's presence involves a series of diagnostic measures. Medical history and physical exams lay the foundation, followed by blood tests and imaging techniques such as X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, and bone scans,” said Dr Ahlawat.
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A comprehensive diagnosis often culminates in a biopsy, the meticulous tissue extraction for closer scrutiny, enabling healthcare professionals to unveil the true nature of the intruder.
Treatment modalities
Surgery
The surgery takes centre stage in the fight against osteosarcoma, aiming to excise the tumour entirely. The surgical arsenal includes wide local excision, limb-sparing surgery, amputation, and rotationplasty. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy often precedes surgery, diminishing tumour size and simplifying subsequent surgical procedures.
Chemotherapy
“Employing a combination of drugs, chemotherapy is a systemic treatment administered before and after surgery. This approach seeks to halt the growth of cancer cells, either by impeding their division or inducing cell death. The synergy of multiple anticancer drugs enhances the efficacy of the treatment,” Dr Ahlawat said.
Radiation therapy
Using high-energy X-rays, radiation therapy either eradicates cancer cells or impedes their growth. There are two types of radiation therapy. External radiation employs machines outside the body, while internal radiation involves placing radioactive substances near the cancer site.
Samarium
For osteosarcoma recurrence in a different bone, samarium, a radioactive drug, proves beneficial. It targets areas of active bone cell growth, alleviating pain caused by bone cancer and disrupting blood cell production in the bone marrow.
Targeted Therapy
According to Dr Ahlawat, targeted therapy intervenes at a molecular level, blocking specific molecules crucial for tumour growth. Kinase inhibitor therapy and Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors exemplify two distinct approaches in this therapeutic landscape.
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Thus there are multitude of treatment options for navigating the challenging terrain of Osteosarcoma and early detection coupled with a comprehensive treatment approach can increase the chances of recovery.