Childhood Osteosarcoma Symptoms

Osteosarcoma symptoms, or pediatric osteosarcoma, vary from child to child. However, the first symptom usually is an aching pain in a bone or joint. At first, the pain may go away and come back. Gradually, it becomes worse and is constant, often getting worse at night.

Other signs of osteosarcoma include:

• Difficulty with normal activities, such as moving, lifting or walking
• Limping, pain, tenderness, swelling or lump close to or in a joint. The area may be warm and red.
• Tiredness
• Fever
• Weight loss
• Broken bone at the site of the tumor; bone may break with routine, normal movement
• Low red blood cell count (anemia)

These symptoms are not always caused by osteosarcoma. In fact, they usually are caused by a less serious condition.

Leg and arm pain are common in growing boys and girls, and usually it is nothing to worry about. But if the pain persists, worsens or if other symptoms are present, you should speak to your child’s doctor.