Osteosarcoma is the most common type of bone cancer in children and occurs most often in children and young adults between the ages of 10 and 20, often during a growth spurt. Boys are more likely to have osteosarcoma than girls, and most cases involve the knee.
Pain or swelling in the leg or arm — above or below the knee or in the upper arm near the shoulder.
Pain that is worse at night or wakes your child up
Limping
A broken arm or leg caused by bone weakening
Diagnosis
To diagnose osteosarcoma, your child’s doctor will do an exam, take a detailed medical history and order some tests. Tests can include:
X-rays
Biopsy to get a sample of the tissue. This will be done while your child is under anesthesia.
Over the years, major advances have been made in the treatment of osteosarcoma. Treatment typically includes limb-sparing surgery and chemotherapy. Limb-sparing surgery removes the tumor but spares the remainder of the limb.
Fighting pediatric cancer and blood disorders
Our UW Health Kids | Carbone Cancer Care specialists we offer the most advanced treatment options. Our pediatric cancer and blood disorder experts are national research leaders. We test new therapies and continue to work on therapies for pediatric cancer and blood disorders. For many children with rare or hard-to-treat conditions, clinical trials provide new options.
Receiving care from the UW Health Kids | Carbone Cancer Center hematology, oncology and bone marrow transplant program at American Family Children’s Hospital means you have access to the knowledge and skills of many medical and support specialists for your child’s complex health diagnosis like cancer.
American Family Children's Hospital Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Clinic
American Family Children's Hospital Pediatric Stem Cell Transplant and Cellular Therapy Clinic
Your child’s care is our top priority and we understand the unique needs they have. Your child’s team will include:
Oncologists (cancer doctors)
Hematologists (blood disease doctors)
Nurse practitioners
Child life specialists
Pain management specialists
Physical, occupational and speech therapists
Radiologists and radiation technologists
Social workers
Surgeons
UW Health Kids | Carbone Cancer Care specialists are dedicated to diagnosing and treating all infants, children and adolescents with cancer, including osteosarcoma.
Our pediatric oncologists are part of the UW Carbone Cancer Center, which is a National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center. This designation means that the doctors taking care of your child are experts in cancer treatment, research and education.
Kristin Bradley, MD
Radiation OncologyChristian Capitini, MD
Pediatric Hematology and OncologyKristin Casey, NP
Pediatric Hematology and OncologyDavid Hennessy, MD
Orthopedic SurgeryMargo Hoover-Regan, MD
Pediatric Hematology and OncologySteven Howard, MD, PhD
Radiation Oncology
When your child needs hospitalization, they will be admitted to American Family Children's Hospital in Madison, Wis.
Child life specialists help your child and family cope with any fears and anxieties. The American Family Children's Hospital patient and family visitor guide features information about:
Hero beads
Hospital school
Positive Image Center
Restoring Hope Transplant House (for blood and bone marrow transplant recipients)
Spiritual care services
Tyler's Place (sibling child care)
Pediatric cancer services
With our expertise comes compassion. Our team considers you and your child part of our family. We will be by your side every step of the way. From diagnosis through treatment and into adulthood, we will care for your child as if they are our own.
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