Final answer:
The radiological features of osteosarcoma typically include a mix of lytic and sclerotic lesions, sunburst pattern, Codman's triangle, and new bone formations, visible on X-ray and radioactive compound imaging.
Step-by-step explanation:
The major radiological features of osteosarcoma include a mix of lytic and sclerotic lesions, with bone destruction and new bone formation. On X-ray images, one might observe a classic "sunburst" pattern due to spiculated bone radiating in a perpendicular fashion from the cortex, and a "Codman's triangle", which is a subperiosteal elevation of the bone away from the joint. Additionally, the presence of a "Cumulus cloud" or "fluffy" periosteal reaction indicating aggressive new bone formation can often be seen. Other features may include soft tissue masses and the involvement of both metaphysis and epiphysis regions of long bones, notably around the knee. Radiographs can depict nonuniform concentrations in similar bone structures, with some regions appearing darker than others due to osteolytic activity, while radioactive compound imaging, such as technetium bone scans, can show areas of high uptake indicative of bone turnover or growth.