Diagnosis can be difficult, because the disease is easily confused with local infection, effects of injury, glandular deficiencies, arthritis, vitamin deficiencies, and benign tumors. Although osteogenic sarcoma may be suspected by the way the bone looks on x-rays, diagnosis can be confirmed only by biopsy. Like osteogenic sarcoma, it usually occurs between the ages of 10 and 25, is seen more often in males, and frequently spreads to other bones and the lungs. Because the symptoms can point to other conditions, definitive diagnosis depends on biopsy. A bone survey, bone scans, chest x-rays, lung tomograms, liver scans, and brain scans may be done as well to look for evidence of metastases.
Treatment involves use of a combination of intensive radiation therapy and chemotherapy.