Periosteal Osteosarcoma: A Review of 17 Cases with Mean Follow-up of 52 Months

PURPOSE Periosteal osteosarcomas are rare cartilage-rich bone tumours characterized by a juxtacortical eccentric position and are normally regarded oncologically as of intermediate to high grade.Their low incidence is mirrored by a small number of reported cases in the world literature. While there is general agreement that wide surgical excision is required, there is a paucity of evidence regarding adjuvant therapy. Previous reports have not indicated any consistent approach to this to allow appraisal. PATIENTS AND METHODS We report 17 cases treated at our centre over 16 years. Our policy was to use chemotherapy when the tumour showed any features of high grade. RESULTS To date, no deaths have resulted from recurrence or metastasis of the tumour although there have been two deaths from other causes. DISCUSSION Comparison of survival with existing studies is made to draw conclusions regarding future treatment of this condition in terms of surgical and adjuvant approaches.