Ewing's or Ewing sarcoma (ES) is a rare cancer of the bone and soft tissue that's usually found in children and young people between 5 and 20. Most cases of Ewing's sarcoma occur between the ages of 10 and 20 but about 25% of cases occur in kids under 10 and a small percentage occur in people in their 20s and 30s. There are few known risk factors for ES but one is race. Caucasians are 9 times more likely to develop ES than African-Americans. The disease is also more common among males than females.Ewing's sarcoma was once considered bone cancer because it develops in bones but the tumor develops from a primitive nerve cell and may also occur in the soft tissues. In most cases, ES develops in the arms, legs, or pelvis but it can also occur in the spine, ribs, or other bones and soft tissues.
Historically, ES has been very difficult to treat but a number of new treatments like radiation and surgery have improved survival with ES. As with other forms of cancer, the symptoms of Ewing sarcoma can resemble common illnesses and may include swelling, decreased appetite, fatigue, and fever. There are a number of distinctive symptoms that may point to ES, however, including bone pain, and fractures with no cause.
Historically, ES has been very difficult to treat but a number of new treatments like radiation and surgery have improved survival with ES. As with other forms of cancer, the symptoms of Ewing sarcoma can resemble common illnesses and may include swelling, decreased appetite, fatigue, and fever. There are a number of distinctive symptoms that may point to ES, however, including bone pain, and fractures with no cause.