The Many Faces of Osteosarcoma

Abstract Introduction Primary Intramedullary Osteosarcoma

Surface Osteosarcoma Extraskeletal Osteosarcoma Secondary Osteosarcoma

Conclusions Source Information References

Introduction

Osteosarcoma, which is sometimes referred to as osteogenic sarcoma, is the second most common primary malignant bone tumor, exceeded in frequency only by multiple myeloma. It is the most common primary malignant bone tumor to affect children and adolescents. Osteosarcoma accounts for approximately 15% of all primary bone tumors confirmed at biopsy (1,2,3).

Numerous types of osteosarcoma have been described, including intramedullary (high-grade, telangiectatic, low-grade, small cell, osteosarcomatosis, and gnathic tumors), surface (intracortical, parosteal, periosteal, and high-grade surface tumors), and extraskeletal. Osteosarcoma can also develop secondary to malignant transformation within a preexisting benign bone lesion, such as Paget disease, osteonecrosis, fibrous dysplasia, or chronic infection, or can arise in previously irradiated areas. These different types of osteosarcoma often have distinctive radiologic appearances that constitute the imaging spectrum for this malignant tumor.

In this article, we discuss the clinical characteristics, histologic features, various radiologic appearances, and treatment and prognosis for the different types of osteosarcoma.

Abstract Introduction Primary Intramedullary Osteosarcoma

Surface Osteosarcoma Extraskeletal Osteosarcoma Secondary Osteosarcoma

Conclusions Source Information References