(Peripheral Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumors—Child; PNET—Child; Ewing’s Family of Tumors—Child)
Definition
Definition
Ewing 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.
Leg and Pelvic Bones—Common Sarcoma SitesCopyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.
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Causes
Causes
It is thought that Ewing sarcoma is caused by a genetic problem.
Risk Factors
Risk Factors
Ewing sarcoma is more common in Caucasians, teenagers, and males.
Symptoms
Symptoms
Symptoms may include:
- Pain, redness, and swelling surrounding the tumor
- Difficulty moving around
- Fever
- Weight loss and reduced appetite
- Fatigue
- Loss of bladder control
- Numbness, tingling, and paralysis
- Difficulty breathing
Ewing sarcoma can also weaken the bone leading to unexplained fracture of the bone.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis
You will be asked about your child’s symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will also be done. Ewing may be suspected if a bone breaks after a minor injury. A sample of the tissue will be removed and sent for examination, also called a biopsy.
Images of the body may be taken to locate the tumor and determine if it has spread to other tissues. Images may be taken with:
Treatment
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 be used to remove the tumor.
Surgery may also be done to rebuild the affected bone. A bone graft will help to replace smaller areas of missing bone. An artificial limb may be needed if larger areas of the bone are affected. There are special types of artificial limbs that expand as the bone grows. Several surgeries may be needed to make sure the limb functions properly.
Stem Cell Transplant
Stem cells grow into blood cells and platelets. The cancer and the treatments can damage stem cells which makes it difficult for the body to produce healthy blood cells. A stem cell transplant can help replace the damaged stem cells. The new cells are injected into a vein, and travel to the bone cavities where they will grow and begin work.
Rehabilitation Therapy
Physical and occupational therapy will help your child manage physical challenges including:
- Re-learnig how to do daily tasks
- Resuming physical activity
- Learning how to use a prosthesis
Other therapists or specialists will also help your child through emotional challenges of illness and treatment.
Prevention
Prevention
There is no known way to prevent this condition.
RESOURCES:
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Alberta Children’s Services http://www.child.alberta.ca
References:
http://www.childrenshospital.org/az/Site852/mainpageS852P0.html
Accessed June 18, 2015.
Ewing sarcoma. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed
Updated October 29, 2014. Accessed June 18, 2015.
Ewing’s sarcoma. National Cancer Institue website. Available at:
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/treatment/ewings/Patient#Keypoint2
Updated January 29, 2015. Accessed June 18, 2015.
Last Updated: 5/28/2014