Pediatric osteosarcoma: Improving pediatric cancer care for all kids

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

• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

• Ultrasound

• Positron emission tomography (PET)

• Bone scan

• 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 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.

Search our clinical trials

Receiving care from the UW Health Kids 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.

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 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.

There are services available at both American Family Children’s Hospital and in the community to help patients and their families through every step of their journey.

Child life specialists help your child and family cope with any fears and anxieties, and the American Family Children's Hospital patient and family visitor guide features information about:

• Health psychology

• Hero beads

• Hospital school

• Positive Image Center

• Spiritual care services

• Tyler's Place (sibling child care)