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Incidence of malignant bone and joint tumors in Olmsted County, Minnesota, 1935 through 1981
C M Beard1, M R Griffin, N M Schwenk
1Section of Clinical Epidemiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905.
Abstract:
During the 47-year period 1935 through 1981, 30 cases of malignant bone and joint tumors (in 20 male and 10 female patients) were identified among Olmsted County, Minnesota, residents. The incidence rates per 100,000 population, age-adjusted to the 1970 US total white population, were 1.0 overall, 1.4 for male subjects, and 0.7 for female subjects. Mortality rates, likewise age-adjusted, were 0.7 overall and 1.1 and 0.3 for male and female subjects, respectively. These rates are similar to those from tumor registries, a finding that suggests that reporting of these tumors is relatively complete. The similarity of the incidence and the mortality rates is consistent with the high case-fatality rate. A comparison of the Olmsted County cases with Mayo Clinic referral cases provides some evidence for referral bias, as the referral patients were significantly younger and had significantly more high-grade tumors.
Insights
Malignant bone and joint tumors occurred at a rate of 1.0 per 100,000 people in Olmsted County, Minnesota. High mortality rates suggest a high case-fatality ratio for these rare cancers.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Epidemiology
- Orthopedics
Background:
- Malignant bone and joint tumors are rare but serious conditions.
- Understanding their incidence and mortality is crucial for public health and clinical management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence and mortality rates of malignant bone and joint tumors in Olmsted County, Minnesota.
- To compare these rates with existing tumor registry data and investigate potential referral bias.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective population-based study of Olmsted County residents from 1935 to 1981.
- Identification of 30 cases of malignant bone and joint tumors.
- Age-adjusted incidence and mortality rates calculated per 100,000 population.
Main Results:
- Overall incidence rate was 1.0 per 100,000, with higher rates in males (1.4) than females (0.7).
- Overall mortality rate was 0.7 per 100,000, with higher rates in males (1.1) than females (0.3).
- Incidence and mortality rates were similar to national data, suggesting complete reporting. Referral cases were younger and had higher-grade tumors.
Conclusions:
- Malignant bone and joint tumors exhibit specific incidence and mortality patterns in Olmsted County.
- The findings support the completeness of tumor reporting and indicate a high case-fatality rate.
- Referral bias may influence the characteristics of patients seen at specialized centers.