Osteosarcoma in the Proximal Humerus of an Adult Male: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Abstract

Osteosarcoma is the most common primary bone malignancy. The incidence rate of the disease peaks during adolescence when bone growth is the most rapid. Primary osteosarcoma is typically seen in patients aged 10-20 years old, with 75% of cases under the age of 20 years. The incidence of osteosarcoma is 1.5 times higher in males than females. Osteosarcoma commonly occurs in the metaphyseal region of the long bones with the most commonly affected sites being the knee and humerus at rates of 60% and 10%, respectively. This paper, presents the clinical and radiological findings of a young adult male patient with osteosarcoma which was detected in the proximal humerus after presentation with shoulder pain. The diagnostic value of direct radiography is emphasized.