Alternate Names : Ewing’s family of tumors, Primitive neuroectodermal tumors (PNET)
Definition
Ewing’s sarcoma is a malignant (cancerous) bone tumor that affects children.
Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Ewing’s sarcoma can occur any time during childhood and young adulthood, but usually develops during puberty, when bones are growing rapidly. It is uncommon in African-American, African, and Chinese children.
The tumor may arise anywhere in the body, usually in the long bones of the arms and legs, the pelvis, or the chest. It may also develop in the skull or the flat bones of the trunk.
There are few symptoms. The most common is pain and occasionally swelling at the site of the tumor. Children may also break a bone at the site of the tumor after a seemingly minor injury (this is called a “pathologic fracture”). Fever may also be present.
The tumor often spreads (metastasis) to the lungs and other bones. Metastasis at the time of diagnosis is present in approximately one-third of children with Ewing’s sarcoma. Rarely, Ewing’s sarcoma can occur in adults.
Pictures & Images
X-ray
X-rays are a form of ionizing radiation that can penetrate the body to form an image on film. Structures that are dense (such as bone) will appear white, air will be black, and other structures will be shades of gray depending on density. X-rays can provide information about obstructions, tumors, and other diseases, especially when coupled with the use of barium and air contrast within the bowel.
Ewings sarcoma – x-ray
This x-ray shows a malignant bone tumor (Ewing’s sarcoma) of the upper arm bone (humerus). This type of tumor usually occurs during childhood and adolescence.
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Ewing�s sarcoma : Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
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Ewing�s sarcoma : Symptoms & Signs, Diagnosis & Tests
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Ewing�s sarcoma : Treatment
Review Date : 11/5/2009
Reviewed By : David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; Yi-Bin Chen, MD, Leukemia/Bone Marrow Transplant Program, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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