How is osteosarcoma diagnosed ?
If a bone tumour is suspected the doctor will do a complete medical examination. This may include a blood test as bone tumours can be associated with increased levels of certain enzymes in the blood. The doctor may also recommend X-rays and other scans of the bone(s), if X-rays and scans suggest that a tumour might be present then a biopsy (removal of a sample of tissue) will be performed. A pathologist will then examine the cells to determine whether it is cancerous, and if so what type of cancer it is. Under the microscope malignant bone formation is a sign of osteosarcoma. Osteosarcoma can appear similar to other types of cancer so special stains and other tests may be needed to make the diagnosis.
