Page created on May 1, 2019. Not updated since.
Organ: Long bone (femur)
Description:
Originating from the distal metaphysis is a large grey-white tumor. The tumor completely destroyed the whole bone.
Diagnosis: Osteosarcoma
Risk factors:
- < 20 years of age
- Irradiation
Theory:
The tumor raises the periosteum, which forms a very characteristic picture on an x-ray called Codman triangle.
Hi,
How do we know the tumor originates from the metaphysis and not the epiphysis?
Thanks.
Osteosarcoma classically originates from the metaphysis. I haven’t seen enough cases to tell you whether it is obvious from the preparation that it does originate from the metaphysis and not the epiphysis, but I trust my teacher when he says that it did.