CAUSESAlthough we do not know the exact cause of most osteosarcomas, it is known that the development of malignant tumors is linked to the mutation of tumor suppressor genes, p53 or RB1 (Zheng et al. ) . These DNA mutations can be inherited or acquired (Cancer.org). If the DNA mutation is hereditary, then it is a germline mutation. A person who inherits this type of mutation will have it throughout their DNA and will pass it on to their offspring. Even in the case of a hereditary mutation, this does not guarantee the occurrence of cancer; it just means they are at higher risk. If the mutation is not hereditary, it can be acquired, through environmental circumstances or spontaneously. If an acquired mutation occurs, it will not affect the DNA of the entire body and will not be passed on to offspring, since it is a somatic mutation. Although there is no direct cause of osteosarcoma, there are associated risk factors – both hereditary and environmental. Knowledge of osteosarcoma risk factors and their extent is limited. However, there are some risk factors which, according to the scientific world, play a role in the development of cancer. Height is a possible hereditary risk factor. One study suggests that “taller than average” or “very tall” individuals have an increased risk of osteosarcoma, respectively (Mirabello et al.). This same study also focused on birth weight, another hereditary factor, finding a correlation between increased birth weight and osteosarcoma risk (Mirabello et al.). The study boasts a fairly large study, with 1,067 cases for height and 434 cases for birth weight data, claiming the "largest analysis of height at diagnosis and weight at birth birth versus osteosarcoma” (Mirabello et al.)... ... middle of paper ......n therapy can be more localized; only certain parts of the body are then subjected to severe treatment. Unfortunately, osteosarcomas are not easily killed by radiation. The prognosis for osteosarcoma varies, as with any cancer, depending on the location of the tumor and whether or not it has metastasized. If the cancer is localized, a five-year survival is estimated at 60 to 80%. If the cancer has metastasized only to the lungs or if all tumors can be removed by surgery, a five-year survival of 40% is estimated. However, if the osteosarcoma has spread to other organs, limbs, etc., a much lower five-year survival rate is estimated at around 20% (Cancer.org). Research shows that age has no significant effect on prognosis. Osteosarcoma is a very rare cancer, so research is limited. However, it is a cancer that affects real people and therefore deserves attention...