Important Announcements

Nondiscrimination Statement Update

Boston Medical Center Health System complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, national origin (including limited English proficiency and primary language), religion, culture, physical or mental disabilities, socioeconomic status, sex, sexual orientation and gender identity and/or expression. BMCHS provides free aids and services to people with disabilities and free language services to people whose primary language is not English.

To see our full nondiscrimination statement, click here.

Campus Construction Update

Starting September 14, we’re closing the Menino building lobby entrance. This, along with the ongoing Yawkey building entrance closure, will help us bring you an even better campus experience that matches the exceptional care you've come to expect. Please enter the Menino and Yawkey buildings through the Moakley building, and make sure to leave extra time to get to your appointment. Thank you for your patience. 

Click here to learn more about our campus redesign. 

Osteosarcoma

What is osteosarcoma?

Osteosarcoma is a type of bone cancer. It is most common in teenagers and young adults. Osteosarcoma usually develops in the long bones of the body, such as the legs and arms. In very rare cases, it can also develop in soft tissue.

What are the symptoms of osteosarcoma?

Symptoms of osteosarcoma may include:

  • A bruised-looking purple-colored area on the skin that may bleed when scratched
  • A bruised area on the skin that gets bigger over time
  • Pain in an organ, such as the liver

How is osteosarcoma treated?

Treatment for osteosarcoma may depend on the size and stage of the cancer and if it has spread to other parts of the body. Treatments for osteosarcoma may include:

  • Surgery to remove as much of the tumor as possible. In some cases, parts of the affected limb may also need to be removed.
  • Radiation therapy to destroy the tumor if surgery is not possible, or to help keep the cancer from growing back.
  • Chemotherapy to shrink the tumor before surgery or help kill any cancer cells that have spread to other parts of your body.

What are the risk factors for osteosarcoma?

Risk factors for angiosarcoma include:

  • Having had previous radiation therapy
  • Having lymphedema, a type of swelling caused by extra lymph fluid backing up in the tissues
  • Being exposed to certain chemicals that may cause cancer

Departments and Programs Who Treat This Condition

department

Sarcoma Program

Our multidisciplinary program brings together an expert, collaborative team focused on treating various types of sarcomas through innovative and advanced treatments.
Sarcoma Program