Osteosarcoma of the Extremities: A Retrospective Study on Statistics & Histopathological Implications in a Single Centre Data

Abstract

Osteosarcoma is a common bone malignancy leading to morbidity and mortality. Osteosarcoma is a malignant tumour of connective tissue origin within which the tumour cells produce bone or osteoid material. This is a retrospective study of Queen Elizabeth I & II Hospital Sabah Malaysia – all Osteosarcoma cases from 2018 to 2023 (a 5 years single centre study). These are patients that are registered and managed between 2018 to 2023 and are still followed up at least 6 months from initial diagnosis and had undergone surgery. Here we analyze the statistics and the histopathological implications of these patients, We look into age, gender, distance from residence the institution, laterality, anatomy involved and presence of metastasis. We also analyse into the histological implications namely the grade, types and its subsequent treatment modality giving a clearer image on the Osteosarcoma distribution in Sabah Malaysia. There are significant limitations to this study. Due to the unequal duration of follow up & poorer patient compliance from diagnosis to treatment to follow up, some patients were lost and could not be reached. However in general, Osteosarcoma patients in our institute were effectively treated in accordance to national guidelines, in a 5-year overall statistics. The prognostic factors found in the current study cannot be predictors of significance on survival. More research is needed on the cause of osteosarcoma and its progression, the role of genetics, better testing options for earlier and more accurate diagnosis, and treatments that can reduce patient morbidity and mortality.