Ewing’s sarcoma is the common term given to group of bone cancers that develops in children and adolescents. It is also known by name ESFT (Ewing sarcoma family of tumors) and is a rare type of bone cancer. If treated in early stages Ewing sarcoma can be cured completely. This cancer begins in bone cells and hence is called as primary bone cancer. Some types of cancer originate in some other place and metastasize to bones which are called as secondary cancer. This cancer was first explained by James Ewing and hence the name Ewing sarcoma. It occurs in lengthy bones like arms and thigh bones but sometimes on the chest and pelvic bones also.
Causes :
Though many theories are suggested for the cause of Ewing cancer, nothing has proof. The tumor is believed to originate from a primitive cell of embryologic tissue or from the neural crest. Another theory suggests that Ewing cancer is very much like to the PNET (primitive neuro ectodermal tumor). Sudden changes that causes gene mutation might be a cause of Ewing cancer which affects the gene by name EWS in chromosome 22.
Risk Factors :
Ewing sarcoma is a rare type of bone cancer and only 2-3 persons are affected in one million. In more than 90% of cases, Ewing sarcoma affects age group of 5-15 years. In rare cases, ES occurs after 25 years. Boys are more affected by ES than girls for reasons unknown. It is common in white people when compared with blacks.
Symptoms :