What Is Ewing's Sarcoma?
Ewing's sarcoma is a cancer that occurs primarily in the bone or
soft tissue. Ewing's sarcoma can occur in any bone, but is most often
found in the long bones such as the femur (thigh), tibia (shin), or
humerus (upper arm). It can involve the muscle and the soft tissues
around the tumor as well.
Ewing's sarcoma cells can also spread (metastasize) to other areas
of the body including the bone marrow, lungs, kidneys, heart, adrenal
gland, and other soft tissues. This type of bone tumor accounts for
16% of bone cancers, reports the American Cancer Society.
Who develops Ewing's sarcoma?
Ewing's sarcoma is a very rare cancer in adults. However, Ewing's
sarcoma most often occurs in children between the ages of ten and 20,
accounting for about 1–2% of childhood cancers. Prior to adolescence,
the number of males and females affected are equal. After adolescence,
however, the number of males affected is slightly higher than the
number of females. It has been suggested that the increased rate of
growth among males during adolescence may account for this increased incidence.
Learn about Ewing's
sarcoma in childhood.
Long-term outlook for Ewing's sarcoma
Prognosis for Ewing's sarcoma greatly depends on:
- The extent of the disease
- The size and location of
the tumor
- Presence or absence of metastasis
- The
tumor's response to therapy
- Your age and overall
health
- Your tolerance of specific medications, procedures, or
therapies
As with any cancer, prognosis and long-term survival can vary
greatly from person to person. Every individual is unique and
treatment and prognosis is structured around your needs. Prompt
medical attention and aggressive therapy are important for the best prognosis.
Continuous follow-up care is essential for a person diagnosed with
Ewing's sarcoma. Late effects of radiation and chemotherapy, as well
as second malignancies, can occur in survivors of Ewing's sarcoma. New
methods are continually being discovered to improve treatment and to
decrease side effects.