Sarcomas

Ewing's sarcoma

Signs and Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment

Signs and Symptoms

Ewing's sarcoma occurs in the bone or close to the bone, most often in adolescents between the age of 10 and 20. It occurs in about one teenager in 50,000 and accounts for about 30 percent of the bone cancers in children. This cancer most often is found in the arms and legs, particularly the thigh bone. It also may involve muscle and soft tissues surrounding the tumor. Ewing's sarcoma cells can spread or metastasize to other areas of the body including bone marrow and the lungs.

Prior to adolescence, the number of boys and girls affected by this condition is equal. After adolescence, however, the number of men with the disease is slightly higher than women. This increase may be due to the increased rate of growth among males during adolescence.The following are the most common symptoms of Ewing's sarcoma. Each child, however, may experience symptoms differently.

• Pain around the site of the tumor
• Swelling and redness around the site of the tumor
• Fever
• Weight loss and decreased appetite
• Fatigue
• Paralysis and incontinence if the tumor is in the spinal region
• Symptoms related to nerve compression from a tumor such as numbness, tingling and paralysis

Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Children's Hospital.
Last updated May 8, 2007