Incidence and Prevalence
According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 2800 new cases of primary bone cancer will be diagnosed in 2006, accounting for less than .2% of all cancers. Osteosarcoma, which is the most common type, accounts for about 35% of cases; chondrosarcoma accounts for about 26%, and Ewing’s tumor (usually affects children and adolescents) accounts for about 16%.Incidence of primary bone cancer is highest in children and young adults. Osteosarcoma occurs most often between the ages of 10 and 30 and is more common in males. Causes and Risk FactorsIn most cases, the cause for bone cancer is unknown and the disease often occurs in patients who do not have identifiable risk factors. Sometimes, a genetic (inherited) mutation of the p53 tumor suppressor gene is linked to the development of bone cancer.Li-Fraumeni syndrome is a rare inherited disorder that increases the risk for developing osteosarcoma and other types of cancer, especially in children and young adults.Other genetic risk factors include the following:

·                 Multiple exostoses (also called multiple osteochondromas; causes bumps on the bones that may be painful and cause deformities and fractures)

·                 Paget disease (chronic disease that results in deformed or enlarged bones)

·                 Retinoblastoma (cancer of the retina; usually occurs in children)

·                 Rothmund-Thompson syndrome (very rare condition; also causes a unique skin rash, sparse hair, short stature, and teeth and nail abnormalities)

Additional risk factors for bone cancer include radiation therapy (e.g., to treat cancer), especially at a young age or at high doses, and bone marrow (stem cell) transplant.

Share This