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Primary osteosarcoma presenting in axial bones in childhood
1Department of Pediatrics, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey.
The Turkish Journal of Pediatrics
|October 1, 1995
Summary
Axial osteosarcoma in children is rare, accounting for 4% of cases. This study reviewed six pediatric axial osteosarcoma cases, finding a poor prognosis with limited survival rates.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Skeletal Tumors
Background:
- Osteosarcoma is the most common primary malignant bone tumor in children.
- Axial skeleton involvement is less common than appendicular involvement.
Observation:
- A retrospective review of six pediatric osteosarcoma cases involving the axial skeleton (vertebrae, craniofacial bones, pelvis, ribs) between 1971-1992.
- These cases represented 4% of all pediatric osteosarcomas during the study period.
- Patients' ages ranged from 8 to 17 years, with a 2:1 female predominance.
Findings:
- The distribution included: 1 vertebra, 2 craniofacial (maxilla, mandible), 2 pelvis, 1 rib.
- Prognosis was poor, with only one patient (mandible osteosarcoma) surviving.
- The other five patients died within 3-16 months post-diagnosis.
Implications:
- Pediatric axial osteosarcoma carries a dismal prognosis.
- Aggressive multimodal treatment, including wide surgical resection and chemotherapy, is crucial for potential long-term survival.