Zach Gowen the one legged wrestler

Zach Gowen

     Professional wrestler Zach Gowen was diagnosed with an osteosarcoma of the left leg in 1991 at the age of 8 years old.  He underwent a successful amputation of his leg.

     Osteosarcomas are uncommon malignant tumors of bone.  Approximately 750 to 900 new cases are diagnosed each year in the United States, of which 400 arise in children/adolescents.  The tumor is more common in boys than girls.

     The most common site of osteosarcoma in children is a long bone, especially the in the leg (femur, tibia), and arm (humerus).  The majority of individuals present with pain, typically of several months' duration.  Pain frequently results in decreased movement of the affected body part. The most important finding on physical examination is a soft tissue mass, which is frequently large and tender.

     Surgery to remove the tumor is the primary therapy.  Chemotherapy is often given before surgery to shrink the tumor size.



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