An evaluation of osteosarcoma begins with a history and physical examination.

Physical findings in someone with osteosarcoma may include:

• Tenderness over a bone
• Swelling over a bone
• Difficulty walking:
• When the tumor is in the leg
• Deformed bone:
• When the weakened bone is fractured

Testing is required to make the diagnosis of osteosarcoma.

Tests that may be used to evaluate osteosarcoma include:

• Alkaline phosphatase blood levels:
• May be elevated
• Calcium blood levels:
• May be elevated
• Serum AST levels:
• May be elevated
• Bone x-rays
• Bone biopsy
• Nuclear bone scan
• CT scan of the bones
• MRI scan of the bones