Best Osteosarcoma Doctors in Delhi

Osteosarcoma is a malignant form of bone cancer that primarily affects children and young adults. It arises from the cells responsible for bone formation, leading to aggressive tumour growth. The exact cause is unknown, but risk factors include rapid bone growth during adolescence, prior radiation treatment, and certain genetic conditions.

In Delhi, the capital of India, an alarming number of cases are reported every year. However, residents can rest assured that Apollo Hospitals Delhi are equipped with some of the best osteosarcoma doctors and medical oncologists adept at handling complicated cases. They are skilled in diagnosing and providing optimal solutions for this disease.

Types of Osteosarcoma

The disease progression is usually categorised into the following four stages:

1. Stage I: Low-grade tumour localized to the bone.

2. Stage II: High-grade tumour localized to the bone.

3. Stage III: Multiple high-grade tumours within the same bone.

4. Stage IV: Cancer has spread (metastasized) to other parts of the body, such as the lungs or other bones.

Symptoms of Osteosarcoma

The symptoms related to osteosarcoma can vary depending on its location and size. Some common symptoms include:

• Bone pain which intensifies at night or during activity

• Noticeable swelling or a lump in the affected area

• Difficulty moving the affected limb leading to limping

• Unexpected fractures in the affected bone due to weakness

Tests to Diagnose Osteosarcoma

To diagnose osteosarcoma, several tests are commonly used by osteosarcoma doctors and specialists:

• Blood Tests: To identify abnormalities in the number of blood cells or markers that indicate cancer.

• Imaging Tests: To detect bone abnormalities and potential tumour characteristics.

• Biopsy: To microscopically examine a sample of tissue from the tumour.

• Bone Scan: To check for the spread of cancer to other bones.

• PET Scan: To detect if cancer has spread to other parts of the body.

Treatment or Surgery Options for Osteosarcoma at Apollo Hospitals Delhi

At Apollo Hospitals Delhi, a comprehensive treatment plan is developed by a team of osteosarcoma treatment doctors and osteosarcoma surgeons. This may include:

• Chemotherapy: Uses drugs to kill cancer cells, typically administered before (neoadjuvant) and after (adjuvant) surgery to shrink the tumour and eliminate any remaining cancer cells.

• Radiation therapy: Uses high-energy rays to target and kill cancer cells, although it's less commonly used for osteosarcoma due to the tumour's relative resistance to radiation.

• Targeted therapy: Involves drugs that specifically target the molecules involved in the growth and spread of cancer cells, providing a more focused treatment approach.

• Surgery: The preferred option is limb-salvage surgery which aims to remove the tumour and affected bone while preserving the limb. In some cases, amputation becomes necessary when the tumour cannot be completely removed.