Answer
D. Osteosarcoma
Comment
Osteosarcoma is the most common malignant neoplasm of the skeleton. Approximately 900 new cases occur annually in the United States.
Genetic as well as hereditary associations have been linked to osteosarcoma. The tumor is more common in the second decade of life and essentially can occur anywhere in the skeleton. However, the metaphyseal region of long bones appears to be the most common site.
In the past, amputation used to be the treatment of choice; however, currently the use of preoperative chemotherapy and possibly limb salvage is attempted. Regarding prognosis, several factor play a role, including age, gender, anatomic site affected, size of the tumor, and possibly the histological features of the tumor.
Reference
1. Huvos AG. Osteogenic sarcoma of bones and soft tissues in older persons. A clinicopathologic analysis of 117 patients older than 60 years. Cancer. 1986;57:1442-1449. PubMed
