Intracortical Osteosarcoma is a very rare, cancerous (malignant) bone tumor. It is a type of osteosarcoma, a cancerous bone tumor (bone sarcoma) that develops from the strong outer bone layer, called the cortex. This bone tumor is also referred to as an osteosarcoma of the cortex.
Intracortical Osteosarcoma is a very rare, cancerous subtype of osteosarcoma that arises from the protective outer bone layer, called the cortex. Intracortical Osteosarcomas most commonly affect the cortex of the femur or tibia. It is a high-grade tumor, meaning it has the potential to grow and spread more quickly if left untreated. These tumors can be misdiagnosed as an osteoid osteoma, bone abscess, non ossifying fibroma, osteoblastoma or adamantinoma until it is biopsied or removed.
Intracortical osteosarcoma is a very rare, cancerous bone tumor that develops from the strong outer bone layer, called the cortex. Although intracortical osteosarcomas are confined to the outer cortex of the bone, they pose a risk of destroying the bone if not treated. Additionally, pathological fractures may result from this tumor. Intracortical osteosarcoma is malignant and can metastasize, or spread, with the lungs being the most common site for metastasis.
Radiographic imaging is used to help form a diagnosis of intracortical osteosarcoma. These include X-Ray, MRI, CT and Bone Scans.
An example of an X-ray is shown.
Intracortical Osteosarcoma is a very rare, malignant bone sarcoma. Typically, treatment involves limb-sparing surgery. Radical resections and en bloc resections are common examples of limb-sparing surgeries. Due to its rarity, the effects of chemotherapy as treatment is uncertain.
Surgical treatment includes wide or radical resections to remove the complete tumor and additional margins. The removal of additional, surrounding margins ensures that the tumor is completely removed and decreases the chances of the tumor coming back.
Chemotherapy is a systemic treatment option for some cancers, meaning the chemotherapy drugs travel throughout the body and can kill the cancerous cells that have metastasized, or spread throughout. Chemotherapy is used to treat cancer, control/prevent cancer from spreading, and ease the symptoms related to the cancer. There are various drugs used in chemotherapy, so the combinations of drugs administered and the number of cycles may differ between each person and tumor. Lastly, chemotherapy may be used in conjunction with other treatments, specifically local treatments such as surgery.
I've seen many doctors and I can confidently attest Dr. Wittig is the preeminent orthopaedic specialist. He is genuinely kind and caring, as he demonstrated by completely addressing my concerns and compassionately relating to what I was dealing with. He clearly outlined the plan of attack, and recommended the two additional doctors who would become part of my 'team'. Dr. Wittig was so effective in allaying our fears and bringing us optimism. My surgery was significant, but I was up and walking the next day and back at the gym 5 weeks later. This is further testament to Dr. Wittig's skill. He saved my leg and my life, and I feel so very blessed to say he is my doctor. I have already recommended him to others, and I will continue to do so. I would trust him with my closest family and lifelong friends. BEST DOCTOR EVER.
S.G.
Myself and my amazing team are dedicated to saving your life and your limb. Losing a limb because of a tumor can be a terrifying experience. But, it does not have to be the only option. I’ve spent 20+ years as a Board-Certified Orthopedic Surgeon and Orthopedic Oncologist.
I’ve devoted my career to helping children and adults afflicted with bone and soft tissue masses by performing complex limb saving surgeries. Most patients can have their limb saved, which may require innovative techniques.
Patients afflicted with musculoskeletal tumors have complex conditions that are best taken care of at large hospitals. I am the Chairman of Orthopedics and Chief of Orthopedic Oncology at Morristown Medical Center. My philosophy is a multidisciplinary team approach, working together to tailor treatment to individual patients. Education and research are essential to my practice, providing the best setting for extraordinary patient care. Because of this, we have some of the top results in the country.
