Ewing sarcoma is the second most common tumor of the bone. It most often affects bones of the pelvis, the tibia, fibula, and femur, and can also begin in the soft tissues. This disease most often occurs in adolescents, with nearly half of cases arising between the ages of 10 and 20.
What causes Ewing sarcoma?
The cause of Ewing sarcoma in children is still unknown. It is not typically associated with any other cancer syndromes. Additionally, there is no additional risk among families in which a single person has Ewing sarcoma.
What are the symptoms of Ewing sarcoma?
The symptoms of Ewing sarcoma depend on the bone in which the cancer develops. Symptoms include:
- Pain at the site of the mass, with soft tissue swelling around the mass.
- In cases of metastatic disease (where the cancer has spread), patients may have general symptoms such as anorexia, fever, malaise, fatigue and weight loss.
- Other symptoms will be related to the specific location of the sarcoma.
What are the prognostic factors in Ewing sarcoma?
The extent of the disease is the most important factor in determining how the disease will progress. Other factors that influence the prognosis include:
- Primary site (where the cancer began)
- The presence of metastasis (spreading to other areas)
- Size of the tumor
- Age
- Leukocyte count
- Sedimentation rate
- Serum LDH levels
Reviewed and edited
CureSearch.org Medical Editorial Board
December 2006