What Is Ewing's Sarcoma?

Ewing's sarcoma is a cancer that occurs primarily in the bone or soft tissue. Ewing's sarcoma can occur in any bone, but is most often found in the long bones such as the femur (thigh), tibia (shin), or humerus (upper arm). It can involve the muscle and the soft tissues around the tumor as well.

Ewing's sarcoma cells can also spread (metastasize) to other areas of the body including the bone marrow, lungs, kidneys, heart, adrenal gland, and other soft tissues. This type of bone tumor accounts for 16% of bone cancers, reports the American Cancer Society.

Who develops Ewing's sarcoma?

Ewing's sarcoma is a very rare cancer in adults. However, Ewing's sarcoma most often occurs in children between the ages of ten and 20, accounting for about 1–2% of childhood cancers. Prior to adolescence, the number of males and females affected are equal. After adolescence, however, the number of males affected is slightly higher than the number of females. It has been suggested that the increased rate of growth among males during adolescence may account for this increased incidence.

Learn about Ewing's sarcoma in childhood.

Long-term outlook for Ewing's sarcoma

Prognosis for Ewing's sarcoma greatly depends on:

• The extent of the disease
• The size and location of the tumor
• Presence or absence of metastasis
• The tumor's response to therapy
• Your age and overall health
• Your tolerance of specific medications, procedures, or therapies

As with any cancer, prognosis and long-term survival can vary greatly from person to person. Every individual is unique and treatment and prognosis is structured around your needs. Prompt medical attention and aggressive therapy are important for the best prognosis.

Continuous follow-up care is essential for a person diagnosed with Ewing's sarcoma. Late effects of radiation and chemotherapy, as well as second malignancies, can occur in survivors of Ewing's sarcoma. New methods are continually being discovered to improve treatment and to decrease side effects.