CLINICAL AND EPIDEMIOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF PATIENTS WITH INITIAL DIAGNOSIS OF OSTEOSARCOMA AND EWING SARCOMA

Abstract

Malignant bone tumors in Pediatrics are uncommon when compared to other types of neoplasms, accounting for approximately 3–4%. Osteosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma are the most frequent entities within this group. Despite their low incidence, they are clinically significant due to their high mortality rates and the physical and emotional sequelae associated with treatment. This study aimed to determine the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of patients at the onset of osteosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma treated at Hospital Central – IPS, during the period from 2014 to 2024. A descriptive, observational, retrospective, cross-sectional study was conducted. Among a total of 32 patients with malignant bone tumors, the frequency of Ewing sarcoma was 53.12% and osteosarcoma 46.88%, with a predominance of males in both groups. The mean age was 8.7 years (±4.03 SD) in Ewing sarcoma and 10.06 years (±2.5 SD) in osteosarcoma. Elevated lactate dehydrogenase levels were observed in both tumor types, while alkaline phosphatase levels were more significantly increased in osteosarcoma. Most patients presented with localized disease. These findings highlight the importance of early detection, as well as appropriate follow-up and management of malignant bone tumors in the pediatric population.