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What is Ewing sarcoma?                                                   

Ewing sarcoma is the second most common malignant (cancerous) bone tumor affecting children, adolescents and young adults, but it is still a rare disorder. Approximately 250 cases are diagnosed each year in the United States.

Ewing sarcoma is a cancer, which means it can spread to other organs or tissues in the body, most commonly starting with the lungs, bone or bone marrow.

Most Ewing sarcoma tumors are found in teenagers, but the disease can also occur at a younger age. Caucasian children, particularly boys, are far more likely to have Ewing sarcoma than any other racial or ethnic group.

Causes of Ewing sarcoma in children

Ewing sarcoma is characterized by chromosome changes that occur after birth. In a process known as translocation, chromosomes 11 and 22 “swap” small pieces of each other. The result is an abnormal gene that can be detected with DNA testing.

It is not known why the Ewing sarcoma translocation occurs.

The cause of Ewing sarcoma is genetic — in that it comes from genetic changes in tumor cells — but it is not inherited like some other childhood cancers. Parents can’t pass along the genetic changes associated with Ewing sarcoma to their children.

Signs and symptoms of Ewing sarcoma in children

The symptoms of Ewing sarcoma depend on the size and location of the tumor, as well as your child’s age and general health.
Indications may include:

  • Pain, stiffness or tenderness at the site of the tumor
  • Pain that gets progressively worse over time, and may radiate outward from the tumor site
  • Pain that awakes the child from sound sleep
  • Swelling or mass around the affected bone
  • Decreased motor skills, including difficulty walking or limping
  • Weak bones, which may lead to a fracture
  • Fatigue
  • Weight loss
  • Fever
  • Anemia

A Ewing sarcoma located near the spinal cord may cause back pain that radiates out through the arms or legs, or sometimes numbness or weakness.

Testing and diagnosis for Ewing sarcoma in children

Some symptoms of Ewing sarcoma can be easily ignored as normal growing pains in children, which makes regular check-ups and referrals to specialists extremely important.

If your child has been referred to an orthopedic or oncology specialist, your child’s diagnostic evaluation begins with a thorough medical history and physical examination. A detailed neurological assessment may also be performed. This involves a series of questions and tests to check the brain, spinal cord and nerve function.

clinical experts use a variety of diagnostic tests to diagnose tumors, including:

  • X-rays, which produce images of bones.
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which uses a combination of large magnets, radiofrequencies and a computer to produce detailed images of organs, soft tissues, muscles, ligaments and other structures within the body. Your child is exposed to no radiation during an MRI.
  • Computed tomography (CT) scan, which uses a combination of X-rays and computer technology to examine bones and produces cross-sectional images (“slices”) of the body.
  • Positron emission tomography (PET) scan, which uses radioactive sugar injected into a vein and a scanner to make detailed, computerized pictures of areas of the body.
  • Needle biopsy, which is a procedure where a doctor places a small needle through the skin and into the lesion to withdraw a small sample of the abnormal tissue. The tissue is analyzed to confirm any findings.
  • Bone marrow aspiration, a procedure in which a small amount of bone marrow fluid and cells are obtained by a needle inserted into a bone to check for problems with any of the blood cells made in the bone marrow.

In addition to diagnosing the specific type of cancer, these tests will also help determine the size and location of the tumor, and stage of the cancer. All this information is crucial in determining the best treatment option for your child.

 

ABOUT THE ARMER FOUNDATION FOR KIDS:
Founded by Jennifer and Matt Armer in 2019, the Armer Foundation For Kids (a 501(c)(3) 84-2327428) works to reduce
financial barriers for families so that they can care for their children with chronic or life-altering diseases that can often
lead to unforeseen financial burdens. For more information and to see the children for which they are currently
fundraising, visit www.armerfoundation.org.

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