USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Examination) Step 1 Practice Exam

Which of the following bone tumors is commonly associated with Paget's disease?

1. Ewing sarcoma

2. Chondrosarcoma

3. Osteosarcoma

4. Fibrosarcoma

The correct answer is: Osteosarcoma

Osteosarcoma is commonly associated with Paget's disease of bone. Paget's disease is a chronic disorder characterized by the abnormal and excessive remodeling of bone, leading to enlarged and weakened bones. This altered bone architecture can create an environment that is conducive to the development of osteosarcoma, particularly in patients with a history of Paget's disease. The key aspect that relates osteosarcoma to Paget's disease is the increased rate of bone turnover and the potential for malignant degeneration of the osteoblastic activity that is disorganized in Paget's disease. Osteosarcoma typically arises in the metaphysis of long bones and is characterized by the production of osteoid by malignant osteoblasts, which fits well within the context of the abnormal bone structure seen in Paget's disease. Other tumors listed do not have a strong or well-established association with Paget's disease. Ewing sarcoma is primarily found in younger individuals and has distinct clinical and radiological characteristics unrelated to the bone remodeling effects of Paget's. Chondrosarcoma primarily arises in the cartilage and is not linked to Paget's disease in the same way. Fibrosarcoma is a malignant tumor of fibrous connective tissue and does not have