The Basics
Written by the doctors and editors at UpToDate � �
What is a Ewing sarcoma? " � A Ewing sarcoma is a type of cancer that happens most often in the bone. It happens when normal cells in the bone change into abnormal cells and grow out of control. But in some cases, a Ewing sarcoma starts in tissues outside of the bone. � �
This cancer happens most often in children and teens ages 10 to 20, but it can also happen in adults. A Ewing sarcoma most often affects bones in the legs, arms, or pelvis. � �
What are the symptoms of a Ewing sarcoma? " � A Ewing sarcoma usually causes pain and swelling in the area of the cancer. The pain can come and go, but it usually gets worse over weeks to months. The pain is usually worse at night and with exercise. Some people might also see or feel a lump on their bone. � �
People can have other symptoms, too, depending on where the Ewing sarcoma is. For example, if the Ewing sarcoma is close to a joint, it can cause trouble with moving that joint. � �
Some people also have a fever, weight loss, or feel more tired than usual. � �
All of these symptoms can also be caused by conditions that are not a Ewing sarcoma. But if you have these symptoms, tell your doctor or nurse. � �
Is there a test for a Ewing sarcoma? " � Yes. Your doctor or nurse will first order an X-ray of your bone. � �
If the X-ray suggests a Ewing sarcoma, you will have other tests. These will probably include: � �
- Blood tests
- An imaging test, such as an MRI or CT scan, of the area with the cancer " � An imaging test creates pictures of the inside of the body.
- A full-body bone scan, PET scan, or other imaging test, to check for cancer in other parts of your body
- A bone marrow biopsy " � The bone marrow is the tissue in the middle of certain bones. During this procedure, a doctor takes a very small sample of the bone marrow. Then another doctor looks at the sample under a microscope.
- A biopsy of the Ewing sarcoma " � This is a procedure in which a doctor removes a sample of the cancer. Then another doctor looks at the sample under a microscope.
What is cancer staging? " � Cancer staging is a way in which doctors find out if a cancer has spread past the layer of tissue where it began, and, if so, how far. � �
The right treatment for you will depend a lot on the stage of your Ewing sarcoma and your other medical problems. � �
How is a Ewing sarcoma treated? " � A Ewing sarcoma is usually treated with both surgery and chemotherapy. � �
- Surgery " � The type of surgery you have depends on where your cancer is and how big it is. For cancer in an arm or leg, doctors usually do "limb-sparing " � surgery. This is when the doctor removes the cancer without removing the arm or leg. Depending on the type of surgery, the doctor might need to "rebuild " � part of the bone after surgery.
- Chemotherapy " � Chemotherapy is the term doctors use to describe a group of medicines that kill cancer cells. People with a Ewing sarcoma usually have chemotherapy both before and after their surgery.
Some people with a Ewing sarcoma are also treated with radiation therapy. This involves getting high doses of X-rays (radiation) aimed at your cancer. Radiation kills cancer cells. People might have radiation therapy after surgery, especially if their doctor cant remove all of their cancer during surgery. � �
What happens after treatment? " � After treatment, your doctor will check you every so often to see if the cancer comes back. Follow-up tests can include exams, blood tests, chest X-rays, and imaging tests. � �
You should also watch for the symptoms listed above. Having those symptoms could mean your cancer has come back. Tell your doctor or nurse if you have any symptoms. � �
What happens if my Ewing sarcoma comes back or spreads? " � If your Ewing sarcoma comes back or spreads, you might have more surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy. � �
What else should I do? " � It's important to follow all of your doctor's instructions about visits and tests. It's also important to talk to your doctor about any side effects or problems you have during treatment. � �
Getting treated for a Ewing sarcoma involves making many choices, such as what treatment to have. Always let your doctors and nurses know how you feel about a treatment. Any time you are offered a treatment, ask: � �
- What are the benefits of this treatment? Is it likely to help me live longer? Will it reduce or prevent symptoms?
- What are the downsides to this treatment?
- Are there other options besides this treatment?
- What happens if I do not have this treatment?
All topics are updated as new evidence becomes available and our peer review process is complete. � �
This topic retrieved from UpToDate on: Nov 04, 2014. � �
Topic 83151 Version 2.0 � �
Release: 22.8 - C22.208 � �
� � 2014 UpToDate, Inc. All rights reserved. � �
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