Osteosarcoma Treatment

Osteosarcoma Surgery in India: A Battle Against Bone Cancer

Osteosarcoma is a type of cancer that starts in your bones. Initially, the cancer cells appear to be regular bone cells, but afterward, they create tumours and tumours create diseased bones. The cancer most often affects long bones like those in arms and legs. It primarily occurs near the end of your bones and near the knee, where the growth of the cancer occurs the fastest.

The most commonly affected areas by osteosarcoma are:

● Thigh Bone
● Shin Bone
● Upper Arm Bone
● Organs in your abdomen or chest

Other less common areas where osteosarcoma can occur:

● Pelvis
● Skull
● Jaw

Here, we will discuss in detail osteosarcoma, the treatment options available for treating it, and why India is the best country to get the surgery done.

Types of Osteosarcoma

Osteosarcoma tumours can be categorized into three types:

● Low grade
● Intermediate
● High Grade

Low grade means that the cancer will grow slowly and will remain where it began. On the other hand, a high-grade osteosarcoma indicates it will grow quickly and metastasize. Mostly, osteosarcoma that is found in children and teenagers is high grade.

Who is at risk of getting Osteosarcoma?

You are at a high risk of getting osteosarcoma if:

● You have gone through a radiation treatment
● You have a certain change in your RB1 gene
● You are a teenager
● You suffer from any of the following conditions like Bloom syndrome, Paget disease, Werner Syndrome
● You suffer from Bone Infarct

Symptoms

The most common symptoms of osteosarcoma include:

● Pain is the most common symptom. The pain initially comes and goes but then it becomes constant.
● Swelling or big lump in the affected area
● If the tumour is in the leg, the person may start limping
● Osteosarcoma weakens the bone and makes it fragile

Diagnosis

To diagnose osteosarcoma, the doctors carry out two types of tests:

Imaging Tests

Imaging Tests include:

● X-Ray
● CT Scan
● MRI Scan
● PET Scan
● Bone Scan

Biopsy

A biopsy is a procedure that is used to collect a sample of suspicious cells for lab testing. Tests show if the cells are cancerous or not. Types of biopsy done in osteosarcoma are:

● Needle Biopsy: in this doctor uses a thin needle to remove the small pieces of tissue from the tumor
● Surgical Biopsy: In this, the doctor makes an incision through the skin to remove an entire or a portion of the tumor.

Osteosarcoma Treatment Options Available in India

Osteosarcoma Surgery

The goal of the surgery is to remove all the cancer cells. The different operations used to treat osteosarcoma include:

Limb Salvation / Sparing Surgery

In this surgery, the operation removes cancer, but the limb is pared so that its function can be maintained. The choice of this procedure depends on the extent of the cancer and how much muscle and tissue needs to be removed. If a section of bone is removed, then the surgeon will reconstruct the bone.

Amputation

With the advancement in technology, though the chances of amputation have greatly reduced, amputation is performed when there is no other option available.

Rotationplasty

This surgery is used in growing children, where the surgeon removes the cancer area, including the knee joint. In Osteosarcoma surgery of the knee, the foot and the ankle are then rotated, and the ankle functions as a knee. A prosthetic is used for the lower leg and foot.

Chemotherapy

In chemotherapy, drugs are used to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy is often recommended in osteosarcoma before the surgery. If the cancer shrinks after chemotherapy, then a limb-sparing surgery is possible.

If osteosarcoma does not respond to chemotherapy, it means the cancer is very aggressive.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation Therapy uses high-beam X-rays and protons to kill cancer cells. It is an option when surgery is not possible or the entire cancer cannot be removed during the operation. The beams are carefully directed to the area of osteosarcoma to reduce any damage to healthy cells.

Targeted Therapy

This therapy uses drugs to blog certain proteins that are necessary for cancer cells to grow. These drugs do not harm the normal cells.

Understanding Osteosarcoma Surgery in Detail

Before the Surgery

● The process begins with a thorough medical evaluation, which includes imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs.
● You will meet with multidisciplinary medical specialists such as orthopedic surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and pathologists to discuss a treatment plan.
● You have to undergo physical examination, blood tests, and possibly additional imaging to assess the extent of the tumor and its proximity to critical structures like nerves and blood vessels.
● Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is often given to osteosarcoma patients before surgery. Using this treatment, the tumor is shrunk, making it easier to remove surgically.
● The surgical team will plan the procedure carefully, taking into account the tumor’s location, size, and proximity to surrounding structures.
● Your surgeon will discuss the risks and benefits of the surgical procedure with you in detail.
● Your medical fitness for general anesthesia will be evaluated before surgery if general anesthesia is required.
● The day before osteosarcoma surgery, you will receive instructions on fasting, medications to take or avoid, and preparations for surgery.
● Emotional support can be helpful after a cancer diagnosis and surgery. For patients and their families, many medical centers offer counseling or support groups.
● Transportation to and from the hospital, home care after surgery, and any necessary adaptations to your living space may be necessary.

During the Surgery

● You have to undergo a thorough assessment before surgery, including imaging tests (such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRI scans) to determine the size and location of the tumor.
● In addition to blood tests, other diagnostic tests are conducted in order to assess the patient’s overall health.
● General anesthesia is administered during the procedure to ensure unconsciousness and painlessness.
● A surgical incision is made over the site of the tumor by the surgeon. An incision’s size and location will vary depending on the circumstances.
● During tumor resection, the surgeon carefully removes the cancerous tissue, leaving a margin of healthy tissue behind. Some cases may require the removal of part of a bone or an entire limb, especially if the tumor is large or has spread to nearby structures.
● In order to confirm the diagnosis and determine the characteristics of the tumor, a sample of the removed tumor tissue is sent to the pathology lab for examination.
● A surgeon may perform bone reconstruction following the removal of a tumor. Several techniques can be used to accomplish this:
○ A bone graft may be used to replace the bone that has been removed from the body or a donor.
○ In order to preserve limb function, the surgeon may use a prosthesis or implant to reconstruct the affected bone.
● A surgical incision is carefully closed with sutures or staples.
● A drain may be placed near the surgical site in order to remove excess fluids and prevent swelling.
● During the postoperative period, the patient is closely monitored in the recovery area. The patient receives pain management, antibiotics, and other supportive care measures.
● Physical therapy is a crucial component of the recovery process. They assist patients in regaining mobility and function in their affected limbs.
In addition to osteosarcoma surgery, chemotherapy may also be included in a comprehensive treatment plan before and after surgery. It is the goal of surgery to remove as much of the tumor as possible as well as to achieve negative surgical margins in order to reduce the likelihood of recurrence. Specific details of the surgery may differ depending on the individual case, so patients should discuss their treatment plan and surgical options with their physician.

Osteosarcoma surgery Afterwards
● You will have to stay in the hospital under close medical observation. The extent of the stay will depend on the type of the surgery.
● Manage pain using the pain medications prescribed by the doctor after the surgery.
● Follow proper instructions to take care of the wound after the surgery.
● You will have to undergo physical therapy to regain mobility after the surgery.
● Keep a close monitor on wound and pain management. This will help you to recover better.
● Proper diet and nutrition are essential for effective recovery.
● Attend regular follow-ups with your doctor to keep track of the recovery.

Advantages of the Surgery
● The primary goal of the surgery is to remove the cancerous tumour.
● It prevents tumour from spreading to other parts of the body.
● The surgery helps to reduce pain and discomfort caused by the tumour.
● The limb sparing technique aims to preserve as much limb function as possible.
● Since osteosarcoma can weaken the bones, it makes us susceptible to fractures. The surgery can reduce the risk of fractures.

Risks Associated with the Osteosarcoma Treatment

The risks associated with the surgery are:
● Bleeding
● Blood clots
● Infection
● Pain
● Skin breakdown
● Long-term physical problems

Top Hospitals and Doctors Doing Osteosarcoma Treatment in India and Osteosarcoma Surgery Cost

How can you avail the best Osteosarcoma Treatment in India Step By Step process?

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