Commonest bone malignancy is:
**Core Concept:** Bone malignancies are types of cancer that originate from bone cells, primarily osteoblasts, chondroblasts, or osteocytes. These cancers can also spread to bone from other primary sites. Osteosarcoma and Ewing's sarcoma are two common types of bone malignancies.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right:** Osteosarcoma is the most common primary bone tumor, accounting for around 80% of malignant bone tumors. It usually develops in long bones, most commonly in the femur, tibia, and humerus. The tumor cells produce osteoid, a type of matrix that forms bone, leading to the characteristic "moth-eaten" appearance on imaging studies.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect:**
A. Multiple Myeloma: This is a plasma cell malignancy in which malignant plasma cells secrete excessive monoclonal proteins leading to bone destruction and osteolytic lesions. Although it can involve bone, it is not a primary bone malignancy.
B. Ewing's sarcoma: This is a small cell bone malignancy, typically affecting children and young adults. It is not the most common primary bone tumor and also involves soft tissues.
C. Chondrosarcoma: This is a malignant tumor originating from cartilage-forming cells, usually affecting long bones. Although it is a primary bone malignancy, it has a lower prevalence compared to osteosarcoma.
D. Liposarcoma: This is a malignant tumor arising from adipose tissue cells and is not a primary bone malignancy.
**Clinical Pearl:** Osteosarcoma often presents with local pain, swelling, and deformity of the affected bone. Radiological findings might include areas of osteolysis (bone destruction) and "moth-eaten" appearance on imaging.
**Correct Answer:** D. Osteosarcoma is the commonest bone malignancy, accounting for about 70-80% of primary bone tumors. It primarily affects adolescents and young adults, with a peak incidence between 10 and 20 years of age. The correct answer (D) is Ewing's sarcoma, which is a rare primary bone malignancy affecting children and young adults.