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Ewing’s sarcoma is the second most common bone cancer affecting children and adolescents. Ewing’s sarcoma is a malignant tumor, so the sooner it is diagnosed, the better the patient has a chance of being cured. How to recognize the first symptoms of Ewing’s sarcoma and what tests should be performed to make an accurate diagnosis?
What is Ewing’s Sarcoma?
Ewing’s Sarcoma, shortened in medicine as ES, is a cancer that was first described by James Ewing in 1921. James Ewing was one of the founders of the world-famous Cancer Center in New York. Describing the nature of the disease, the doctor assessed that the tumor was particularly aggressive and was highly sensitive to radiotherapy. Ewing’s sarcoma is one of the most common primary tumors in children and adolescents. It usually attacks the bones, but sometimes it develops outside the skeletal system in the form of Ewing’s sarcoma. It is a disease that is diagnosed more often in boys than in girls. Ewing’s sarcoma most often appears between the ages of 15 and 19. The biggest problem in the treatment of this disease is the very late diagnosis of the cancer. Often times, at the time of diagnosis, Ewing’s sarcoma has spread, spreading to the lungs, other bones, lymph nodes and bone marrow.
Symptoms of Ewing’s sarcoma
The first symptom of Ewing’s sarcoma that patients complain of is usually pain radiating to the extremities, especially when the tumor is located in the pelvic area. In addition, there is a visible swelling at the site of the sarcoma. Initially, the pain occurs after excessive strain or minor injuries. As the disease progresses, dull or stabbing pains appear in the area of the tumor. The pain that plagues patients at night is alarming. With the development of Ewing’s sarcoma, symptoms also appear that are similar to the symptoms of inflammation. Patients have a fever or low-grade fever, weight loss occurs, and laboratory tests show leukocytosis. Ewing’s sarcoma develops very quickly, so any disturbing symptom should be consulted with a doctor as soon as possible.
Ewing’s sarcoma – diagnosis and diagnosis
If Ewing’s sarcoma is suspected, the histopathological examination of a fragment of the tumor plays a very important role. This test allows you to make a definitive and certain diagnosis. Before the doctor performs or orders a histopathological examination, he or she sends the patient to laboratory blood tests and radiological examination of the affected bone. Your doctor may recommend an MRI or CT scan to determine the extent of the cancer you have. In turn, to detect the presence of metastases in other bones, the doctor recommends a bone scan. In the case of Ewing’s sarcoma, the doctor may also recommend an EKG and Echoes of the heart. If it is suspected that the cancer cells have also invaded the bone marrow, a bone marrow biopsy is performed.
Ewing’s sarcoma – treatment and prognosis
Ewing’s sarcoma is treated in combination. Treatment includes chemotherapy, surgery and radiotherapy. The combination of these three treatments gives the patient the best chance of full recovery. Ewing’s sarcoma has a good prognosis as long as the disease is detected relatively early. Ewing’s sarcoma without metastases is completely curable in 60-70% of cases. However, if metastases have occurred, complete recovery is possible in less than 20% of cases.
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