Any element that raises an individual’s propensity to get cancer is considered a risk factor. Most cases of bone sarcoma have no identifiable cause. Although several risk factors can play a role in determining whether or not cancer develops, very few are actually causative. Some people who have multiple risk factors for cancer never get the disease, while others who have none ever do. Talking to your doctor about your personal risk factors will give you a better idea of how to reduce those risks and improve your health. This article covers the details about the risk factors that you should look out for to avoid the risk of bone cancer.
Bone cancer can originate in any bone in the body, but it most usually affects the pelvis or the long bones in the arms and legs. Bone cancer is rare, accounting up less than 1 percent of all cancers. In fact, noncancerous bone tumours are significantly more common than cancerous ones.
The phrase “bone cancer” doesn’t encompass cancers that develop elsewhere in the body and spread (metastasize) to the bone. Instead, those malignancies are designated for where they began, such as breast cancer that has metastasized to the bone.
For example, whereas some forms of bone cancer are more common in youngsters, others are more common in adults. The most typical method of bone cancer treatment is surgical excision, while alternative options such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy are available. Treatment options for bone cancer range from bone cancer surgery and chemotherapy to radiation therapy.
The major signs of bone cancer include:
- Bone pain
- Swelling and tenderness near the affected area
- Weakened bone, leading to fracture
- Fatigue
- Unintended weight loss
Understanding the risk factors for bone cancer:
An independent contributor to the likelihood of cancer development is said to be a risk factor. An action, substance, or medical state could fit this description. Numerous causes contribute to the development of cancer. However, there are cases of bone cancer among persons who have no predispositions to the disease.
There are those who face a higher than normal chance of developing bone cancer. Please discuss your risk with your orthopedic oncology surgeon. A customized testing strategy may be necessary if your risk factors are significantly greater than usual.
These are some of the most common causes of bone cancer. No changes can be made to the recognised risk factors. They are hence unmodifiable. No specific measures can be taken to lessen your risk until we learn more about these risk factors.
In most cases, risk variables are ranked from most significant to least significant. However, in most circumstances, determining an exact order among them is impossible. Reach out to a Coimbatore ortho hospital to get proper analysis of the bone.
The following are associated with an elevated risk of developing bone cancer, and there is substantial evidence supporting their importance.
Exposure to radiation:
One of the risks of radiation exposure is an increase in the likelihood of developing bone cancer. Five to twenty years after initial exposure is the typical onset time for bone cancer.
There is an increased risk for bone cancer in patients who have high-dose radiation therapy for the treatment of childhood cancer. The danger is most in the irradiated region. The risk of developing bone cancer after a stem cell transplant is higher for those who have previously been treated with radiation (total body irradiation).
Bone cancer is more common in children who were exposed to ionising radiation from atomic bombs at a young age.
Bone cancer is more likely to develop after being exposed to radium.
A substantial risk for bone cancer exists in patients who received intravenous radium therapy for disorders of the skeleton (such alkylating spondylitis and bone tuberculosis).
Clock and watch faces are often painted with radium paint. The risk of developing bone cancer is particularly high for those who sharpened paintbrushes by pressing them against their lips.
Bone disorders or conditions:
An increased risk for bone cancer may be present in patients with any of the following illnesses or ailments affecting the skeletal system.
Paget disease of the bone: Bone abnormalities brought on by Paget’s disease. This condition causes the bones to become thicker and heavier than usual, as well as weaker and more brittle. The average age at which a person develops Paget disease is 50.
Fibrosis dysplasia: Bone growth is abnormal and fractures are common in people with fibrosis dysplasia, a chronic illness.
Osteogenesis imperfecta: With osteogenesis imperfecta, bone fragility is a constant problem.
Chondroma and osteochondroma: Chondroma and osteochondroma are benign bone tumours that are associated with an elevated risk of developing into chondrosarcoma.
Genetic conditions:
The likelihood of developing bone cancer is augmented by the following list of extremely uncommon inherited genetic disorders.
Retinoblastoma:
In youngsters, the eye cancer known as retinoblastoma is extremely uncommon. Genetic predisposition is a possible cause (called familial retinoblastoma). Those who were born with the hereditary form of retinoblastoma are more likely to get bone cancer later in life. People who were treated for retinoblastoma with chemotherapy and radiation therapy are at a considerably greater risk.
Werner syndrome:
After puberty, an individual with Werner syndrome experiences a hastening of the ageing process due to a rare genetic disease. The majority of patients diagnosed with Werner syndrome do not show signs of bone cancer until they are in their mid-30s, and the affected area of the body is often the ankle.
Undergoing chemotherapy previously:
Research has indicated that cancer patients who were treated as children with a class of medications known as alkylating agents have an increased risk of developing bone cancer later in life. The risk increases in direct correlation with the quantity of the substance that is used.
Although having a risk factor does not mean you are having bone cancer. It is important to look out for signs of bone cancer to undergo the treatment of bone cancer without severe complications. Reach out to the best hospital for bone cancer in case you are looking to undergo treatment.