Osteosarcoma, also known as osteogenic sarcoma is a type of cancer that starts in the bones. They are commonly found inside the long bones, such as the arm (radius, ulna, and humerus) or leg bones (tibia, fibula, and femur), and may also grow on the surface of your bones or in soft tissues, including muscles.
According to the American Cancer Society, each year, about 1,000 new cases of osteosarcoma are diagnosed in the United States. Shockingly, about half of these are in children and teens.
Who Are at Risk?
Studies show people who are between the age of 10 to 30, and those above the age of 60 are at high risk for osteosarcoma.
Children and young adults, who are tall for their age have rapid bone growth, which may involve cancerous cell development.
Males and females are at risk for osteosarcoma, but females tend to develop osteosarcoma slightly earlier than males as they tend to have their growth spurts earlier.
African-Americans and Hispanics/Latinos are more at risk than Caucasians in the United States.
People who had radiation therapy for other cancer conditions have a great risk of later developing osteosarcoma in the exposed areas.
People with certain non-cancerous bone diseases (such as Paget’s disease of bone and fibrous dysplasia) have an increased risk of developing osteosarcoma.
Children with Rothmund-Thomson syndrome tend to be short and have skin and skeletal problems. They also are more likely to develop osteosarcoma.
Children who have retinoblastoma, a rare eye cancer, have a high risk of developing osteosarcoma in the bones around the eye.
People with other rare inherited conditions, including Bloom syndrome, Werner syndrome, and Diamond-Blackfan Anemia, have also been linked to an increased risk of osteosarcoma.
Takeaway
Early detection and treatment are important when it comes to any medical condition and it is even more crucial when the condition is related to cancer. Osteosarcoma can spread from where it started to other bones, which makes the treatment and recovery more difficult. If you are someone who falls under the above-mentioned risk factors, then get a complete diagnosis from an orthopedic specialist immediately.
Carolina Regional Orthopaedics
Carolina Regional Orthopaedics provides the most effective, modern, and innovative techniques in both Orthopedic Surgery and Pain Management using proven methodologies in both the surgical and non-surgical treatment of all conditions affecting the spine, upper extremities, and lower extremities. We specialize in hand and wrist surgery, joint replacements, sports medicine, trauma care, pediatric orthopedics, pain management, wound care, regenerative medicine, physical therapy, imaging services, and EMG testing.