1. One Name, Several Cancers
The Ewing family of tumors is an umbrella term for a group of cancers that differ in many ways but have one feature in common: they all originate from the same type of stem cell. A stem cell is an immature cell from which other kinds of cells can develop. These tumors can develop in the bone or in soft tissues like muscle or connective tissue. The Ewing family of tumors includes Ewing sarcoma, primitive neuroectodermal tumor, Askin tumor and extraosseous Ewing sarcoma.
2. When to Call the Doctor
The Ewing family of tumors occurs most frequently in children and adolescents. Parents can learn the signs and symptoms of these tumors, so they can bring any problems to a doctor's attention promptly. Ewing's sarcomas can cause pain at the tumor site, which commonly includes the arms, legs, chest or back. The patient may also have a lump or swollen area, which can feel warm to the touch. A Ewing's tumor in the bone can cause the bone to break even when no trauma is present.
3. Making a Diagnosis
Doctors may administer a battery of tests to patients with symptoms of Ewing's tumors. The patient may receive several imaging tests, including CT scans, x-rays and MRI's to produce pictures of the abnormal area. The doctor may conduct blood and laboratory tests. A blood chemistry test reveals whether organs are manufacturing excessive chemicals as a response to a disease process. The doctor will check the red blood cell, white blood cell and platelet count. If these tests point to cancer, the doctor must remove a sample of tissue to check for abnormal cells under a microscope. The doctor removes these cells using a needle or during a surgical procedure.
4. Eradicating Ewing's Tumors
Doctors tailor the treatment regimen according to the patient's age, overall state of health and extent of disease. All Ewing's patients commonly receive chemotherapy drugs. Chemotherapy can shrink tumors to make them easier to remove surgically, and the drugs travel throughout the body to kill any cancer cells that have begun to spread or metastasize from the original tumor. Radiation therapy is a local therapy that can complement surgery by shrinking the tumors using high-energy x-rays. Researchers are evaluating new treatments for Ewing's tumors. Patients can talk to the doctor about novel drugs like angiogenesis inhibitors that stop blood vessels from nourishing the tumors.
5. Outlook for Recovery
Doctors consider several features when evaluating the prognosis of a patient with Ewing's family of tumors. Favorable disease features include patients with tumors in the arms or legs, localized disease, patients younger than 10 and those responding favorably to chemotherapy. A patient's prognosis can change over time and the doctor will share updates with the family as he monitors the patient's response to treatment.
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