OBJECTIVETo investigate the clinicopathologic characteritics and prognosis of telangiectatic osteosarcoma.

METHODSThe clinical and pathological data of 14 cases of telangiectatic osteosarcoma were reviewed.

RESULTSMost of these patients were male (9/14). The mean age was 23 years. Most tumors were located in the lower extremities (10/14). The roentgenograms showed a large purely osteolytic lesion. Both medullar and cortical bone were extensively destroyed. The gross specimen showed cystic cavities separated by septa, similar to an aneurismal bone cyst. Microscopically, the septa contained anaplastic cells. A few fine, lace-like osteoid were scattered among these sarcomatous cells. 12 patients were followed-up from 6 months to 84 months. Of seven patients who had developed pulmonary metastasis, six patients died and one alive with lung metastasis. The remaining five patients survived after operation.

CONCLUSIONSDifficulties in making an early diagnosis and highly malignant of this disease might be the important factors that affect the prognosis of telangiectatic osteosarcoma.