Doctors usually start treatment for osteosarcoma as soon as possible to stop the cancer from growing and spreading to other parts of the body. Most people with osteosarcoma will be treated with chemotherapy and surgery.
Chemotherapy uses drugs that go into the bloodstream and then travel everywhere in the body to kill the cancer cells. Surgery means removing the tumor. Some tumors can be removed safely while sparing the limb. Sometimes, an amputation might be needed. This means that in order to safely remove the tumor, the entire limb needs to be removed.
Chemotherapy is usually given both before and after surgery. Chemotherapy can have side effects, like making people feel sick and taking away their appetite. People might get bruises, sores in their mouth, or lose their hair. Most side effects of chemotherapy go away after treatment is finished.
With surgery and chemotherapy, many people with osteosarcoma can be cured.
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