According to the National Cancer Institute, or NCI, less than 1 percent of all new cancers are bone cancer. Most bone cancers do not have a clearly defined cause, notes the NCI. Several studies have shown associations with genetic syndromes and radiation.
Genetic Syndromes
Genetic syndromes increase the risk of developing multiple different cancers. Osteosarcoma is a cancer of the bone that develops when a suppressor gene is lost, according to BoneTumor.org. The NCI mentions retinoblastoma, and Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania lists Li Fraumeni as genetic syndromes that increase the risk of osteosarcoma. Another bone cancer, chondrosarcoma, is a malignant overgrowth of cartilage cells. A hereditary disease, Ollier's syndrome, causes multiple cartilage lesions to develop. The NCI notes a malignant transformation to chondrosarcoma in some patients with Ollier's disease.
Paget's Disease
Osteosarcoma and angiosarcoma are two types of bone cancer that are increased in patients with Paget's disease. An orthopaedic surgeon specializing in bone tumors, Dr. Henry DeGroot, describes angiosarcoma as a particularly aggressive form of bone cancer. The U.S. National Library of Medicine cites studies showing one out of 1000 patients with Paget's disease will develop osteosarcoma. Paget's disease is an abnormal thickening of bone that occurs in 1 percent of people over 40 years of age in the United States. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, some genes that increase susceptibility have been found, and research is ongoing regarding potential viral and environmental causes of Paget's disease.
Radiation
Osteosarcoma and other bone cancers occur many years after a patient has had high doses of external radiation. Dr. DeGroot reports the average time from radiation exposure to diagnosis of a bone cancer is 17 years. Less than 1 percent of 5-year cancer survivors develop bone cancer.
Other Causes
To treat cancer, anti-neoplastic drugs are given. The NCI indicates an association between prior chemotherapy and increased osteosarcoma. The NCI website also indicates that an increase in bone cancer has been seen in patients who have metal implants used to treat bone fractures. According to Dr. DeGroot, no association has been found between chemicals, fluoride in water or prior injury and the development of bone cancer.
