Osteosarcoma is the most common type of bone cancer affecting children, adolescents, and young adults. This aggressive cancer typically originates in the long bones, such as the femur (thighbone), tibia (shinbone), or humerus (upper arm bone), and can sometimes spread to other areas of the body. Osteosarcoma is characterized by abnormal, uncontrolled growth of immature bone cells, forming tumors that can invade surrounding tissues and metastasize. The exact cause remains unknown.
Common symptoms of osteosarcoma include localized pain, swelling, and tenderness around the affected area. As the tumor grows, it may lead to limited joint movement, fractures, or a noticeable lump. Systemic symptoms like fever, fatigue, or unintended weight loss may also occur but are less common. Because these symptoms can resemble those of other conditions, early medical evaluation is critical for prompt detection and treatment.
Diagnosing osteosarcoma requires a specialized care team to ensure an accurate diagnosis. For South Bay parents, the Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Torrance Outpatient Specialty Center has two on-site pediatric hematologist-oncologists who can help provide a diagnosis for your child. The process begins with a thorough medical history and physical examination. To identify a tumor’s location, size, and spread, doctors may order imaging tests such as X-rays, MRI, CT, and PET scans. A definitive diagnosis requires a biopsy of the tumor tissue, where pathology tests confirm the presence of osteosarcoma cells.
If your child has received a challenging cancer diagnosis, the Jonathan Jaques Children’s Cancer Institute at Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Long Beach is a leader in comprehensive pediatric cancer care. Conveniently located just a few miles south of the Torrance location on the 405, the institute offers access to advanced cancer treatment.
At the Jonathan Jaques Children’s Cancer Institute, your child can receive personalized care that may include chemotherapy to shrink the tumor, surgical interventions to remove the cancerous tissue, and, in some cases, radiation therapy. The institute works in close collaboration with the Orthopedic Center at Miller Children’s & Women’s, which houses a specialized Soft Tissue & Bone Tumor Program. This program is dedicated to diagnosing, removing, and treating benign and cancerous bone tumors and soft tissue sarcomas. Amy Williams, M.D., a renowned orthopedic surgeon specializing in musculoskeletal oncology, plays a pivotal role in the program. Her specialized knowledge in handing complex bone and soft tissue tumors sets Miller Children’s & Women’s apart from other institutions, ensuring patients receive the highest level of care.
Additionally, the Jonathan Jaques Children’s Cancer Institute is actively involved in clinical research as part of its membership in the Children’s Oncology Group (COG), contributing to the development of new treatments and therapies for pediatric cancer.
Effective treatment of osteosarcoma requires a multidisciplinary approach. At Miller Children’s & Women’s, we prioritize personalized, compassionate care and medical expertise to provide children with the best possible outcomes.
About Dr. Julie Chu:
Julie Chu, M.D., is a pediatric hematologist/oncologist with the Jonathan Jaques Children's Cancer Institute at Miller Children's & Women's Hospital. Dr. Chu attended medical school at the University of North Dakota. She completed her pediatric residency at the University of Minnesota and pediatric hematology/oncology fellowship at Children's Hospital Los Angeles in California. Her areas of interest include general oncology, solid tumors, such as Wilms tumor, Neuroblastoma, sarcomas and bone tumors.
