Definition
Ewing's sarcoma is a type of cancer that occurs in the bone or soft tissue . Areas that are commonly affected include the pelvis, thigh, lower leg, upper arm, and chest wall. Prognosis depends on the location of the tumor and whether it has spread to other parts of the body.
Causes
It is thought that Ewing’s sarcoma is caused by a problem with the chromosomes. Certain chromosomes (numbers 11 and 22) are rearranged. This rearrangement causes some genes to be fused together.
Risk Factors
Some factors that increase the risk include:
- Race: People who are African American or Asian are at a lower risk compared to Caucasians.
- Age: More common among teenagers
- Gender: Slightly more common among males
Symptoms
Symptoms may include:
- Pain, redness, and swelling surrounding the tumor
- Difficulty moving around
- Fever
- Weight loss and reduced appetite
- Fatigue
- Paralysis and loss of bladder control (in cases where the tumor is near the spinal cord)
- Numbness, tingling, and paralysis (caused by compression of nerves by the tumor)
- Difficulty breathing if the tumor is in the chest wall
These symptoms may be caused by other, less serious conditions. If your child has any of these, talk to the doctor.
Diagnosis
The doctor will ask about your child’s symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will also be done. Tests may include:
- Bone scan —to detect presence of a tumor in other bones
- CT scan —a type of x-ray that uses a computer to look for cancer that has spread to other areas
- MRI scan —a test that uses magnetic waves to make pictures of structures inside the body
- PET scan —to evaluate the metabolic activity of tissue
- Blood tests—to determine abnormalities in the blood
- Biopsy —to determine exactly what kind of cells the tumor is made of
Treatment
Your child will work with a team of doctors. Talk with the team to determine the best treatment options for your child. These options include:
Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy
Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy may be used along with radiation therapy . This is the use of high-energy x-rays to kill cancer cells.
Surgery
Surgery may also be used to remove the tumor, as well as rebuild the affected bone. Depending on the location of the tumor, a bone graft or prosthesis (artificial limb) may be needed. There are special types of prostheses that expand as the bone grows. Sometimes several surgeries are needed to make sure the limb functions properly.
Stem Cell Transplant
Stem cells produce red and white blood cells, as well as platelets. Because of the cancer and the treatments, your child’s stem cells may be damaged. During a stem cell transplant , new cells are injected into a vein, and travel to the bone cavities.
Rehabilitation Therapy
Your child will need to work with a team of therapists, such as:
- Occupational therapist to help your child learn how to do daily tasks
- Physical therapist to help your child with physical activity, especially if he has a prosthesis
The team will also provide support as your child goes through treatment.
