This page is for parents and carers of children who have been diagnosed with osteosarcoma. We have information about how osteosarcoma is diagnosed and treated in children.
Osteosarcoma is a type of bone sarcoma (primary bone cancer) that is more common in teenagers and young adults, but it can still happen in children. Osteosarcoma can affect the knee, thigh bone, shin bone or upper arm.
Symptoms of osteosarcoma
Symptoms of osteosarcoma can vary depending on the size and location of your child’s tumour.
Your child might have:
- bone pain, particularly at night
- a mass or swelling
- restricted movement in a joint.
Symptoms can sometimes be confused with more common problems in children, such as growing pains.
If your child has ongoing pain or swelling that does not improve, go to their GP.
Diagnosing osteosarcoma
Osteosarcoma is usually diagnosed at a sarcoma specialist centre by a paediatric specialist team. If your GP thinks that your child has a bone tumour, they will refer you for further tests.
Your child will have a physical examination at the specialist centre or hospital. They may also have a blood test to check their general health.
Your child may have one or more of these tests:
- An X-ray of the bone
- An MRI scan
- A CT scan
- A biopsy
We have more information about the different scans and tests your child might have.
Treating osteosarcoma
Surgery for children
Your child will likely have surgery to remove the tumour. This involves removing the tumour along with a healthy area of tissue surrounding the tumour, known as taking a margin. Your child’s doctor will aim to preserve their limb, rather than amputating it. This is known as limb-sparing surgery.
After the doctor removes the tumour, they will replace the area with a bone graft. This means taking bone from another part of the body.
It’s not always possible to use limb-sparing surgery. If the cancer has spread into nearby soft tissue, your child may need part or all of the limb removed. This is called an amputation.
Your child’s team will explain why and support you in making decisions about treatment.
Chemotherapy for children
Chemotherapy uses anti-cancer drugs to destroy cancer cells. Your child will usually have chemotherapy before surgery to reduce the size of the tumour, so that it is easier to operate on. This is especially useful for large tumours.
Chemotherapy is also sometimes used after surgery. In this case, the aim is to kill any local cancer cells remaining in the area of the tumour.
Targeted therapy for children
Your child may also have a course of targeted medicine called mifamurtide (Mepact) which may help to reduce the risk of osteosarcoma coming back.
This treatment is not available for everyone, however, they should be able to have mifamurtide if:
- the tumour is high grade and has not spread to another part of the body
- they have had an operation to remove their tumour
- they are also having chemotherapy with multiple medicines.
Radiotherapy for children
Radiotherapy uses high-energy radiation beams to destroy cancer cells. Osteosarcoma is not usually sensitive to radiotherapy; however, this type of treatment may be used after surgery in some cases, if there is a risk that the cancer has spread to the surrounding soft tissue.
After treatment
Many young people with osteosarcoma can be cured, although they may need to have surgery to lengthen their limb as they grow. They will have regular check-ups and X-rays as needed at an orthopaedic specialist centre.
Recurrence
Sometimes, osteosarcoma can come back to the same part of the body. This is called a recurrence. A recurrence of cancer may appear in other parts of the body too. This is called a metastasis or secondary cancer.
In people with bone sarcoma, these secondary cancers may appear in the lungs. A chest X-ray is taken at follow-up appointments to look for secondary cancers in the lung.
Living with a child with osteosarcoma
Living with a child with cancer can be difficult. We have support for parents of children with sarcoma, and we also have information about financial support. No matter what you’re worried about, we’re here for you.
If you have any more questions about osteosarcoma, or if you need to talk to someone, our Support Line team are here for you.
More support
Call the Sarcoma UK Support Line
The Sarcoma UK Support Line is here for every person affected by sarcoma. Get in touch for friendly, expert, confidential and free advice on anything to do with sarcoma.
Support groups
There are a number of sarcoma support groups across the UK. We have more information about support groups available online and in your local area.
Other charities
- Bone Cancer Research Trust: The BCRT offers support for people with primary bone cancer. They have health information and support available.
- Children with Cancer UK: Have support and information for parents, including support for coping with cancer.
- Maggie’s: Maggie’s is a charity that offers advice and support for adults and young people living with cancer.
- Penny Brohn: Penny Brohn has a lot of support for people who have just been diagnosed or are living with cancer. This includes resources, online sessions, and counselling.
- Shine Cancer Support: Shine Cancer Support is a charity connecting people with cancer experience. This is through online programmes and in-person support groups. They support people in their 20s, 30s, and 40s.
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Last reviewed April 2026 | Next review due April 2029
All references are available upon request. Please email info@sarcoma.org.uk
