The Disease Experience of Adolescent Patients with Osteosarcoma: A Descriptive Phenomenological Study

Osteosarcoma is the most common type of bone malignancy among adolescents and is known for its rapid progression, high invasiveness, and poor prognosis. It poses a serious threat to adolescents' survival and well-being. Moreover, as research on adolescent osteosarcoma patients in China is limited, studies exploring their disease experience are even rarer. In this descriptive-phenomenological study, 10 adolescent patients with osteosarcoma underwent semi structured interviews to explore their disease experience. Data were analyzed using Colaizzi's seven-step method, yielding five core themes: physiological symptom distress, negative psychological experiences, changes in social functioning, individual coping strategies, and experiences of self-growth. Adolescents with osteosarcoma face multiple challenges during diagnosis and treatment, including physical and psychological distress, impaired social functioning, and difficulties in self-management, but they also demonstrate the potential for positive personal growth. It is recommended that health care professionals develop and implement personalized, multidimensional support strategies covering physiological, psychological, and social aspects to facilitate recovery and enhance the quality of life of these adolescents.