Symptoms of osteosarcoma in children

If your child has severe symptoms of osteosarcoma, you should see a doctor right away. Osteosarcoma is common in children and adolescents, and its symptoms include, but are not limited to, pain, swelling, joint tightness, and bone deformity. If these symptoms occur, you should consult a professional doctor immediately. Next, we will discuss these symptoms in detail.

1. Pain: This is the most common initial symptom of osteosarcoma in children. It usually manifests as local persistent pain, which may worsen at night. The pain may not be relieved by general analgesics. This pain is mainly caused by the stimulation of the tumor on the periosteum. Once unexplained persistent pain occurs, especially in the lower limbs, it should be taken seriously and medical treatment should be sought as soon as possible.

2. Swelling and local enlargement: Swelling caused by osteosarcoma is mainly due to the expansion of tumor tissue, which may be accompanied by changes in skin color and increased temperature. There will be obvious palpable lumps at the tumor site, especially near the knee joint. Parents should pay attention to the child's activity status and changes in limb appearance.

3. Joint limitation: Due to tumor invasion, swelling and pain may cause joint limitation. Children may show limp or be unwilling to do the original exercise. In severe cases, joint effusion may even occur, which needs to be confirmed by medical imaging technology such as X-ray or MRI.

4. Skeletal deformation: Late symptoms may include abnormal development or deformation of the bones, especially in children during rapid growth. At this time, the structure within the bone marrow may have been destroyed, resulting in changes in the body axis, height or limb proportions.

It is crucial to promptly identify and treat the symptoms of osteosarcoma in children. Early detection and intervention can improve the treatment effect and reduce sequelae. Parents need to closely observe the physical changes of their children. If they have any concerns, they should immediately seek professional medical advice to avoid worsening of the disease. Treatment methods usually include surgical resection, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and the specific plan needs to be formulated according to individual circumstances. The professional guidance of doctors and timely medical intervention are the key to recovery.