Just Diagnosed
Being diagnosed with osteosarcoma can be very intimidating. One way to make this journey a little less scary is to learn as much as possible about osteosarcoma. In this section, you can learn about tests and procedures that are done in order to diagnose osteosarcoma, and read answers to common questions that patients have at the time of diagnosis. You can also learn about who makes up your treatment team, so that the next time you are in the hospital, you will understand who is working with you.
Diagnostic Tests/Procedures
Imaging Studies:
Imaging studies are performed first. An x-ray is taken of the site where symptoms are occurring, followed by a CT scan and/or MRI scan to determine the extent of the tumor. A CT scan of the chest and a radionucleotide bone scan of the entire body are used to search for sites to which the cancer may have spread.
Procedures:
A biopsy is done to diagnose osteosarcoma after the initial imaging studies have been performed. Often a central venous catheter will be put in one of your blood vessels to make blood draws and chemotherapy treatments easier for you.
Staging
Once the diagnosis of osteosarcoma has been confirmed by a pathologist, the oncologist will evaluate the results and
assign a stage to the tumor.
Laboratory tests
Additional tests such as blood tests, hearing test (audiogram) and
echocardiogram provide a baseline measurement of your organ function before starting treatment.
Patient Questions:
- What should I ask my doctor?
- Should I take part in a clinical trial?
- Should I donate to a sperm bank now?
- Where can I get more info?
Treatment Team
Osteosarcoma Online > Information for Patients > Just Diagnosed
Written and reviewed by: Susanne Ragg, MD, PhD; Deannie Lee, MD, PhD; James Hill, MD; Joseph Bidwell, PhD; Ann Haddix, RN, MSN, CPNP; Jada Paine, MS; Amber MacMahon, BS; Julie Haydon, BS; Michelle Lucke, MPH; Eve Doucette, BS; Elaine Skopelja, MALS, AHIP; Kellie Kaneshiro, AMLS, AHIP. Date last reviewed: August 2006.
Site Design: Caroline Courtney