Forensics and Anthropology Blog What is an osteosarcoma?

What is an osteosarcoma?

Source: Rothschild, B., Robinson, L., Witt, M., Koay, J., & Cline, H. (2018). Radiologic/histologic discrepancies in tumour identification: The case of a “basketball-sized” mandibular tumour in a woman from 17th century West Virginia. International Journal of Osteoarchaeology, 28(6), 775-781. doi:10.1002/oa.2703

Who: Young woman, early 20s.

What: A malignant tumor of bone that has a rapid increase in osteoblasts (bone forming cells). The tumor measures at 24x23x19 centimeters, and was examined using x-rays, CT, and epi-illumination microscopy. The five pound tumor appears to not have affected the young woman’s food intake. The mandible is a rare location for such a tumor to develop.

When: 17th Century, unearthed in 1963.

Where: Buffalo, West Virginia, USA.

Osteosarcoma is the most common type of bone cancer, it mainly affects teens and young adults. For images about the case, take a look at the article below.

News Source: Basketball-Sized Jaw Tumor Found On Skeleton Of 17th Century Woman In West Virginia