Osteosarcoma

Osteosarcoma is a malignant bone cancer; together with Ewing's sarcoma it accounts for most primary bone malignancies. There is a preference for the metaphyseal region of tubular long bones. 50% of cases occur around the knee. It is a malignant connective (soft) tissue tumor whose neoplastic cells present osteoblastic differentiation and form tumoral bone.

Causes

The causes of osteosarcoma are not known. Due to the rarity of osteosarcoma, it appears that a genetic predisposition exists which renders some individuals vulnerable to developing the condition. Questions remain about whether radium , or fluoride, in drinking water can act as "environmental triggers" for increasing the incidence of the disease.

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