Imaging Studies
X-Ray
An x-ray is a picture of the inside of the body, which is taken using radioactive rays of light. X-rays show bones, tissue, and some organs, with the more dense objects (like the bones) showing up white, and the less dense items (like tissue) appearing with a grey tint.
With osteosarcoma, x-rays of the bones are usually done because the patient complains of pain or swelling of their arm or leg. While examining the x-ray films, the doctor can notice permeative destruction or build up of tumor tissue on or in the bone, or destruction of the bone from the tumor.
Before treatment, two plane x-rays are recommended for disease assessment of the tumor, and a chest x-ray is recommended for disease assessment of lung metastases (which are tumors that have spread from the initial site to areas in the lungs, making new tumors).
X-ray of the tumor should also be done prior to surgery, every 4 months after surgery while on chemotherapy, and again after chemotherapy. A chest x-ray is recommended prior to surgery, and every 2 months after surgery while on chemotherapy.
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