Osteosarcoma has developed in the femur. Osteosarcomas are usually
found in the lower extremities, especially in the area surrounding
the knee. It is characterized by malignant cells forming new bone.
This is picked up on x-ray as an irregular calcification (increased
radiopacity, or whiter areas) indicative of rapid bone formation.
This is a lateral view of
the same leg. The bright area is the sight of the tumor. The new
growth has broken throught the cortical layer and calcification,
suggestive of bone, is detectable in the adjacent soft tissue.
This x-ray reveals a large
lump in the left lung which is indicative of metastasis. When the
cancer spreads to other organs of the body, the lung is a common
site of involvement. A tissue biopsy and histopathological examination
will reveal osteoid tissue very similar to that of the tumor at
the site of origin.
This image shows the complete
removal of the lung after the cancer returned. The space has filled
with reactive fibrous tissue. Since this tissue is more dense than
lung tissue, it appears more radiopaque on x-ray.
This x-ray was taken five
years later. The lung looks very similar. The patient has no changes
in medical condition, and the osteosarcoma has been successfully
treated.
