Osteosarcomas are usually treated with a combination of chemotherapy and surgery. Then the tumor is surgically removed. About 75 percent of the people who have this type of tumor survive for at least 5 years after diagnosis. Because surgical procedures have improved, the affected arm or leg is usually saved today, whereas in the past, it often had to be amputated. Fibrosarcomas and malignant fibrous histiocytomas are similar to osteosarcomas in appearance, location, and symptoms.
Treatment also is the same.
Chondrosarcomas are tumors composed of cancerous cartilage cells. However, some are high-grade tumors, which tend to spread. A biopsy is needed for diagnosis. A chondrosarcoma must be completely removed surgically, because it doesn't respond to chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Amputation of the arm or leg is rarely necessary.