Teenagers who are experiencing a growth spurt have the highest incidence of osteosarcoma. There may be a link between rapid bone growth and tumor development.
People who receive radiation for other types of cancer are more likely to develop osteosarcoma. Higher doses at younger ages increase this risk.
Children with certain family cancer syndromes are more likely to develop the disease. Li-Fraumeni syndrome is a genetic condition that puts individuals at a higher risk for developing brain cancer, breast cancer and osteosarcoma. Children with the inherited form of retinoblastoma, cancer of the retina, are more likely to develop osteosarcoma.
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