Telangiectatic osteosarcoma

Arch Pathol Lab Med. 2012 May;136(5):572-6. doi: 10.5858/arpa.2011-0204-RS.

Abstract

Osteosarcoma is one of the most common primary malignant bone tumors in children and adolescents. Telangiectatic osteosarcoma is an unusual variant of osteosarcoma, forming 3% to 10% of all osteosarcomas. Radiographically, these tumors appear as purely lytic destructive lesions located in the metaphyses of long bones. The location and x-ray appearance of telangiectatic osteosarcomas are reminiscent of an aneurysmal bone cyst and can test the acumen of a diagnostic radiologist. Distinguishing between the two entities microscopically can also be quite challenging. Telangiectatic osteosarcoma shows dilated blood-filled spaces lined or traversed by septa containing atypical stromal cells, with or without production of a lacelike osteoid matrix. This review highlights the diagnostic features of telangiectatic osteosarcoma and discusses differential diagnostic considerations, treatment options, and prognostic implications.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Bone Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Child
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Osteosarcoma / pathology*
  • Telangiectasis / pathology*
  • Young Adult