This site is intended for healthcare professionals

Sign in
Go to /sign-in page

You can view 5 more pages before signing in

Investigations

Authoring team

Biochemistry:

  • raised ESR and alkaline phosphatase

Radiography - findings are variable but look for:

  • alternating areas of osteolysis and osteosclerosis
  • poorly defined endosteal margin
  • breaching of the cortex - with:
    • sunray spicules - new bone breaches the cortex and radiates outwards, like a sunburst, into adjacent soft tissue
    • Codman's triangle - periosteum lifted into a triangle as the tumour emerges through the cortex
  • breaching of the cortex is characteristic but not pathognomonic
  • chest radiology may reveal pulmonary metastases - present in about 30 - 40% of patients at first presentation

CT and MRI reliably show the extent of the tumour.

Biopsy is essential to confirm the diagnosis before embarking on treatment.

Related pages

Create an account to add page annotations

Create a free account

Add information to this page that would be handy to have on hand during a consultation, such as a web address or phone number. This information will always be displayed when you visit this page

The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

Connect

Copyright 2024 Oxbridge Solutions Limited, a subsidiary of OmniaMed Communications Limited. All rights reserved. Any distribution or duplication of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. Oxbridge Solutions receives funding from advertising but maintains editorial independence.