Osteosarcoma Treatment in India - Cost, Best Doctors & Hospitals

Osteosarcoma (soft tissue sarcoma) is a form of cancer that leads to immature bones. Cancer occurs when cells in a particular region of the body start to multiply out of control. Cancer can slowly spread to the other regions of the body, eventually leading to death. It originates in the cells that create bones, and usually manifests itself around the knee, at the end of the long femur bone. This crippling bone disease is more commonly found in males than females, and people under the age of 25 are more susceptible to it. Osteosarcoma disease is one of the most common types of cancer that affects the bones. A tumour develops around the bones, where the cancer cells resemble underdeveloped bone cells. However, in osteosarcoma, the bones tissue is weaker than that of healthy bones.

There are a range of procedures available for osteosarcoma treatment in India. Furthermore, the cost of treatment is much less in India than in western countries, so you can enjoy a quality treatment by spending much less. Treatment for bone cancer in India is done by oncologists who have International Board Certifications and International fellowships. So, with such credentials to their names, you will be in good hands.

Indian doctors are known for their professionalism and efficiency and every year people from other countries come to India seeking treatment for Osteosarcoma. The hospitals in India offer treatment for nominal fees, so even after considering the travel expense, you can save a lot of money for your cancer treatment which might continue for years.

What Are the Types of Osteosarcoma Disease?

According to the appearance of the cancer cells, doctors have divided osteosarcoma into three types:

• High-Grade Osteosarcoma: Here, the cancer cells have an unusual appearance and usually grow and multiply faster. This is the most common type of Osteosarcoma (soft tissue sarcoma) found in teens and children.
• Low-Grade Osteosarcoma: This type of osteosarcoma is difficult to detect since it resembles healthy bone cells. It spreads more slowly than the high-grade variety.
• Intermediate-grade Osteosarcoma: This rare type of osteosarcoma disease is between high and low-grade cancer.

What are the Causes of Osteosarcoma?

Doctors and scientists are not clear regarding osteosarcoma causes, but it is known to be caused by an error in the patient's DNA or genetic code. The DNA contains a certain coding that makes the cell behave the way it does. The error in the DNA causes the cells to make more tissues than what is needed, and this leads to a tumour.

The key osteosarcoma causes and risk factors include:

• Genetic mutations causing abnormal bone cell growth
• Rapid growth during teenage growth spurts, especially in taller children
• Cancer cells attempting to form unnecessary bone tissue
• Untreated tumours may spread to other body regions (metastasis)
• Rare cases of radiation-induced osteosarcoma following prior cancer treatment (<5% of cases)
• Presence of other benign bone conditions that may predispose to cancer

What are the Risk Factors for Osteosarcoma?

A risk factor is anything that increases your chances of developing a disease like cancer. There are many risk factors for cancer that are related to lifestyle, such as physical activity, diet, tobacco use, bodyweight, etc. But no concrete link has been found between lifestyle factors and osteogenic osteosarcoma. However, there are some factors to take into consideration.

Teenagers suffering from growth-spurts fall in the high-risk group, as well as kids who are tall for their age. Younger children who have undergone radiation therapy previously for cancer treatment are susceptible to radiation-induced osteosarcoma, which is a rare variety of the disease. Osteosarcoma may also be caused by the presence of some other benign bone disease.

There are a few inherited disorders that place a person in a high-risk group. These include the Rothmund-Thompson syndrome, which is a genetic disorder leading to rashes, short height, skeletal problems, and an increased chance of getting osteosarcoma. The Li-Fraumeni syndrome is another inherited syndrome which exposes an individual to multiple forms of cancer, due to the mutation of a tumour-suppressor gene. Retinoblastoma, which is a type of cancer affecting the eye of young children, may also expose an individual to Osteosarcoma (soft tissue sarcoma).

What are the Symptoms of Osteosarcoma?

Sometimes osteosarcoma may be detected through other symptoms such as a bump near the bone joint, which indicates the location of the tumour. A little reddening of the skin and a warm sensation may be noticed at the spot. Early detection of osteosarcoma disease is important for effective treatment. Symptoms can vary but often include:

• Swelling and pain in the bone, worse at night
• Limping or difficulty walking if the tumour is in the leg or knee
• Bump or lump near the affected bone joint
• Reddening of the skin and warmth at the tumour site
• Fatigue, anaemia, or fever
• Sudden unexplained weight loss

What are the Options for Osteosarcoma Treatment in India?

If you start noticing the osteosarcoma symptoms and signs, you should immediately make an appointment with a doctor. The doctor may refer you to a specialist if he suspects that you have bone cancer.

■ Surgery

Surgery is usually the primary method of treatment to remove the tumour. Your doctor can suggest limb-sparring surgery, whenever it is suitable for your condition, and preserve function, while amputation may be necessary in advanced cases. The procedure involves carefully removing the cancerous tissue along with a margin of healthy bone to prevent recurrence.

■ Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is used before (neoadjuvant) and after (adjuvant) surgery to shrink tumours and destroy microscopic cancer cells. It is mostly applied in rounds, and cycles and under strict supervision, to minimize the side-effects and maximize the effectiveness post-surgery.

■ Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells and is typically reserved for cases where surgery is not fully possible or to target remaining tumour cells. It can help control pain and prevent tumour growth, often combined with chemotherapy for better results.

What is the Success Rate of Osteosarcoma Bone Cancer Treatment in India?

The success rate of bone cancer treatment mainly depends on how early the cancer is detected and how far it has spread in the body. Doctors usually measure outcomes using the five-year survival rate, which shows how many patients live at least five years after diagnosis.

If the cancer is detected at an early stage and has not spread, survival rates are much higher. For example, in similar bone cancers like chondrosarcoma, the five-year survival rate can be as high as 90% or more when the disease remains localized. However, if the cancer spreads to distant organs such as the lungs, survival rates may drop to around 30 to 35%. Also, early diagnosis and timely treatment can improve the outcomes for radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

Osteosarcoma disease is a crippling disease that requires immediate attention, and India offers world-class and affordable treatment options when it comes to this condition.

What is the Step-by-Step Procedure for Osteosarcoma Treatment in India?

The treatment approach for osteosarcoma is planned carefully based on the tumour grade, location, and spread of the osteosarcoma disease. Here’s how it is generally performed:

Step 1: Initial evaluation and diagnosis: Imaging tests such as X-rays, MRI, CT scans, and a biopsy are performed to confirm the presence of cancer and assess whether it is a bone and soft tissue sarcoma or related to a soft tissue neoplasm.

Step 2: Pre-surgery (neoadjuvant) chemotherapy: Before the surgery, Chemotherapy is given to shrink the tumour and destroy microscopic cancer cells.

Step 3: Surgical removal of the tumour: Limb-sparing surgery is preferred whenever it is suitable for the patient’s condition. In advanced cases, amputation is required to obliterate cancerous tissue.

Step 4: Post-surgery (adjuvant) chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is administered after the surgical procedure to reduce the risk of recurrence in the future.

Step 5: Radiation therapy (if needed): This can be advised by your medical team when surgery is not fully effective or to control remaining cancer cells.

Step 6: Rehabilitation and follow-up: Physiotherapy, regular scans, and long-term monitoring are essential parts of recovery after osteosarcoma Treatment in India.

What is the Cost of Osteosarcoma Treatment in India?

Osteosarcoma treatment in India is significantly more affordable compared to countries like the UK, USA, Australia, and Singapore, where similar treatments can cost 3 to 5 times more. Most international patients favour India for this treatment because of the availability of high-quality care, internationally trained oncologists, and advanced hospitals, making it the best destination for patients seeking effective yet cost-efficient care.

These cost-effective options, combined with world-class medical facilities, allow patients to receive top-quality treatment without the financial burden experienced in many Western countries.

How is Recovery after Osteosarcoma Treatment in India?

Recovery after Osteosarcoma Treatment in India involves careful monitoring and rehabilitation to restore strength and mobility. Most doctors advise patients to follow a structured physiotherapy program and maintain a healthy diet to support healing and reduce osteosarcoma symptoms.

Pain management medications must be taken along with regular follow-ups with the oncologist. During recovery, strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and high-impact exercises should be avoided until advised otherwise by the doctor. The affected limb or area must be protected to prevent injuries. Recovery time after surgery can vary depending on the type of surgery and chemotherapy. Still, most patients gradually regain normal function within 3 to 6 months, with ongoing monitoring to prevent recurrence of osteosarcoma disease.

Why Opt for Osteosarcoma Disease Treatment in India?

India is emerging as a top destination for Osteosarcoma treatment in India, offering advanced surgical procedures, modern chemotherapy protocols, and world-class radiation therapy at affordable costs. Listed below are some of the benefits of travelling to India for this treatment:

• Access to experienced oncologists with international training
• Advanced surgical techniques, including limb-sparing surgery
• High success rates for different cancer stages treatment
• Affordable treatment costs compared to the UK, USA, Australia, and Singapore
• Shorter waiting times for procedures and hospital admission
• International patient support services for travel, accommodation, and language assistance

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