HYDERABAD: Fifty cases of osteosarcoma, which is a form of bone cancer, were registered in 2016 at the MNJ Cancer Hospital, and 18 cases till March this year. Most of these cases came from the Old City. In many of the 68 cases of osteosarcoma, the patients were children and young teens who came with very aggressive cancers. Despite treatment they succumbed to the disease in one to two years. Dr S, Ram, senior oncologist at the hospital, said osteosarcoma was the most common type of bone cancer and accounted for thee per cent of cancers in children.
“This cancer begins in the bones mostly around the knee or the long bones and sometimes spreads to the lungs. If it is treated in time there are chances of survival. But presently, the cases are coming only at the end stage and despite medication they do not survive.” NGOs which are working in the hospital to guide patients about the treatment protocol stated that these cases are being seen regularly.
Mr Mujtaba Askari, who runs the helpdesk at the hospital, said that creating awareness about the disease was important, seeing the large number of cases coming from one geographical location. “If that is done, then the vulnerable and high-risk young adults can be brought to the hospital earlier where their survival can be improved.” The cancer being localised in the bone area before it spreads is an indication that if it is identified early the chances of survival can be improved.
