Bone cancer is cancer in the bones that exists in two subtypes: Primary bone cancer appears in the bone first, and grows from cells of the bone. Secondary bone cancer enters the bone from another site in the body. According to the National Cancer Institute, 2,650 new diagnoses of bone cancer occurred in 2010. The American Cancer Society explains that most bone cancer is not related to heredity; however, there are several other risk factors that may lead to bone cancer.
Genetics and Heredity
A small number of incidences of bone cancer appear to be related to problems that are passed down genetically. Children who have Li-Fraumeni syndrome, Rothmund-Thomson syndrome, and retinoblastoma, or eye cancer, have a significantly increased risk of bone cancer. In addition, individuals who have multiple exostoses syndrome or chordoma also carry a genetic increased risk of bone cancer. While genetically transmitted risks such as these cannot be prevented, genetic testing can provide families with information about their potential increased risks.
Paget Disease
Paget disease occurs mainly in people over the age of 50. This disease causes the bones to thicken, becoming heavy and more prone to fracture. Paget Disease isn't cancerous or deadly but less than one percent of individuals who have the disease will develop bone cancer. This usually occurs when the bone thickening has affected a large percentage of the bones in the person's body.
Multiple Enchondromatosis
Enchondromas are benign cartilaginous tumors that grow mainly around the longer bones of the body. Multiple enchondromas can appear in large numbers around the legs and arms, causing disfigurement and impairment of functioning although they are generally painless. While the development of these growths is rare, according to the Internet Journal of Orthopedic Surgery, approximately 50 percent of individuals who have multiple enchondromas will develop bone cancer.
Radiation Exposure
Excessive exposure to radiation increases the risk of bone cancer. The highest risk is in people who were treated with radiation at a young age or individuals who have received high doses of radiation. In addition, exposure to radioactive materials for prolonged periods can increase the risk of bone cancer because these substances accumulate in the bones. Routine x-rays and every day exposure to microwave ovens, cell phones and wires does not increase the risk of bone cancer.
Bone Marrow Transplantation
In rare instances, individuals who have received a bone marrow transplant have developed bone cancer, according to the Yale Medical Group.
