Essay On Osteosarcoma

Osteosarcoma
Pathology
Osteosarcoma, also know as osteogenic sarcoma, is a highly malignant disease. Osteosarcoma falls under the category of neoplastic diseases of the skeletal system. It is a pathology that arises from bone-forming cells that line the medullary canal. These bone-forming cells are responsible for thickening, ossification, and regeneration of new bone growth. This neoplasm forms in the growth areas between the epiphysis and diaphysis, the area of most metabolic activity. Osteosarcomas form primarily in the long bones of the body with 74.5% of the cases being in the lower long bones, and 11.2% being in the upper long bones. Osteosarcomas can be linked to several different gene-altering syndromes, which include Li-Fraumeni syndrome and Rothmund-Thomson syndrome. Most of which affect tumor-suppressing genes.
Osteosarcomas often appear as dense calcifications or some appear as very lucent areas in the affected bone. As the tumor grows it begins to lift the periosteum away from the cortical bone, and new bone begins to form in its place demonstrating a sunburst pattern (60% of patients). Necrosis of bone and surrounding tissue may begin as well as the formation of malignant cartilage (75% of patients).
Osteosarcoma is often diagnosed through several different imaging modalities. Some of with include diagnostic x-ray to show different densities in the bone. CT and MRI scans are useful in the detection of soft tissue extension. A PET scan is also valuable in that this test will show metabolic uptake of the affected area. It is also very important to have such lab test that determine an alkaline phosphate level because it is found that 50% of patients with osteosarcomas demonstrate an elevated level. The most promi...

... middle of paper ...

...for five years after treatment.
Change in Radiographic Procedure
Osteosarcoma is considered an additive disease, but may appear radiopaque or radiolucent depending upon the neoplasm. This is due to the formation of new bone at the site of the neoplasm that may be thicker than normal, along with the inflammation that normally occurs at the site. The neoplasm can begin to cause necrosis of the bone and surrounding tissue as well. No change in technical factors is recommended at first to demonstrate the neoplasm to see if necrosis of the bone and surrounding tissue has occurred, or if the formation of new thicker bone has occurred. Technical factors should be adjusted accordingly depending on the neoplasm. Positioning should not be altered for this pathology. It is vital that all facility required radiographs are acquired to aid in the diagnosis of the pathology.