What is Ewing’s Sarcoma?
Ewing’s sarcoma is the second most common bone tumor that affects children, teens and sometimes, young adults. It typically begins in developing bone cells and grows uncontrollably to form a mass, called a tumor.
Tumors can form in any bone tissue, however, half of all cases involve flat bones such as the pelvis, and long bones, such as the tibia, fibula and femur in the leg. This type of cancer may also arise in the soft tissues, such as muscle, fat, fibrous tissue, blood vessels, or other supporting tissue.
The cancer is named for James Ewing, the research who first described the tumor in 1921 and accounts for about one percent of all cancers in children and teens, or about 2,400 cases annually.
Ewing's sarcoma occurs most frequently in children ages 11 to 15 years old. Slightly more males than females develop Ewing's sarcomas, and like osteosarcoma, the most common bone cancer found in children. It is also more often diagnosed in taller teens. It is rarely diagnosed in children younger than five or adults older than 30.
Ewing’s sarcoma s primarily affects Caucasians, and is rarely found in African Americans and native Chinese. The cause of the disease is unknown. Ewing's sarcoma is not strongly associated with any heredity cancer syndromes, congenital childhood diseases, or previous radiation exposure, which may be risk factors for other types of bone cancers.
Roughly two-thirds of Ewing's sarcoma patients experience painful swelling and one or more lumps can be felt in the affected bone; the area of swelling may be hot. The symptoms depend on the tumor site and whether it has spread. For example, a tumor on a rib may cause painful breathing, and a tumor on a pelvic bone can cause pressure on the bladder. When Ewing's sarcoma has spread, patients may have other symptoms such as fatigue, weight loss and fever.
Treatment depends on the location of the tumor, its size and grade and the extent of its spread. For most patients, the treatment goal is to remove or control the tumor and stifle the spread of the cancer.
We value and respect the experiences of all of our HERWriters, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.
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Lynette - Thanks for including the information on clinical trials. They've provided invaluable information to support many cancer patients and continue the development of new treatments. Best regards, Pat
February 17, 2010 - 5:11pmThis Comment