Ewing's Sarcoma
Overview
Ewing's sarcoma is a cancer that occurs in or close to the bone. More common in adolescents, it is found in the arms, legs and sometimes the spine, but it may also involve muscles and soft tissues around the tumor. Ewing's sarcoma cells can spread to other organs in the body.
Symptoms
These include:
- Pain around the site of the tumor
- Swelling and redness around the site of the tumor
- Fever
- Weight and appetite loss
- Fatigue
- Inability to move some or all of the limbs or to control the process of going to the bathroom, if the tumor is in the spinal region
- Numbness, tingling and paralysis if the tumor compresses a nerve
Causes and Risk Factors
This disease most often occurs in young people between the ages of 10 and 20. Boys are affected more often than girls.
Diagnosis
X-rays can show some of the effects on bone, but often more of the bone is involved than can be seen from X-rays. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the lower extremities (leg) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the upper extremities (arm) scans can also be helpful.
Because many other benign and malignant conditions look very similar to Ewing's sarcoma, the only certain diagnosis is with a biopsy. This requires taking a sample of the tumor and looking at it under a microscope.
Treatment
Treatment options include surgery, radiation and chemotherapy.
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