Ewing sarcoma is a rare cancer that primarily affects bones and soft tissues, often striking children and young adults. Understanding its symptoms, treatment options, and implications is crucial for those facing it or supporting loved ones through it. Whether you’re seeking information for yourself or a loved one, this resource aims to help you with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions and foster a deeper understanding of Ewing sarcoma.
Table of Contents
Ewing Sarcoma Symptoms
Ewing sarcoma symptoms may vary depending on the location & size of the tumor, but they can include:
1. Pain: Persistent pain, swelling, or tenderness at the site of the tumor, especially in the bones of the arms, legs, pelvis, or chest wall. Pain may worsen at night or with activity.
2. Swelling: Visible swelling or a lump may develop at the site of the tumor.
3. Bone or joint changes: Bone may feel warm to the touch and may become weakened, leading to fractures or restricted movement in nearby joints.
4. Fever: Some individuals may experience fever, which can be an indicator of infection associated with the tumor.
5. Fatigue: Generalized tiredness or fatigue may occur, primarily if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
6. Weight loss: Unexplained weight loss can be a symptom of advanced cancer.
7. Neurological symptoms: If the tumor is pressing on nerves, it may cause symptoms such as numbness, tingling, weakness, or paralysis in the affected area.
8. Bowel or bladder changes: If the tumor is pressing on organs in the abdomen or pelvis, it may cause changes in bowel or bladder function, such as difficulty urinating or bowel obstruction.
It’s vital to remember that other conditions can also cause these symptoms, so it’s better to contact a doctor for proper evaluation and diagnosis if you experience any concerning symptoms.
Ewing Sarcoma Treatments
Ewing sarcoma is a severe condition that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment. The treatment options for Ewing sarcoma depend on several factors, such as the location and size of the tumor, whether it has spread to other parts of the body, and the patient’s age and general health. The main treatment options for Ewing sarcoma are:
– Chemotherapy: This involves the usage of drugs to kill cancer tumors or stop them from growing. Chemotherapy is usually given before and after surgery or radiation therapy to reduce the cancer tumor size and prevent a recurrence. Chemotherapy is also used to treat Ewing sarcoma, which has spread to other parts of the body. Chemotherapy is usually given in cycles, with periods of rest in between. The drugs are given through a vein (intravenously) or by mouth (orally). The side effects may include nausea, vomiting, hair loss, fatigue, infection, and low blood cell counts.
– Surgery: This is the removal of the tumor & some surrounding healthy tissue. Surgery is often done to remove as much of the tumor as possible and to preserve the function of the affected limb or organ. Sometimes, surgery may not be possible or may not remove all of the tumor. In these cases, chemotherapy & radiation therapy may be used to reduce the tumor size before or after surgery. Surgery may also be done to remove tumors that have spread to other parts of the body, such as the lungs. The side effects of surgery may comprise pain, bleeding, infection, swelling, and scarring.
– Radiation therapy: This is the usage of high-energy beams or particles to destroy cancer tumors or stop them from growing. Radiation therapy is often used to treat Ewing sarcoma that cannot be removed by surgery, or that has spread to other parts of the body. It may also be used after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells & prevent recurrence. This therapy may be given externally or internally. The side effects of radiation therapy may comprise skin irritation, hair loss, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and low blood cell counts.
The cost of Ewing sarcoma treatment in India varies depending on the type and extent of treatment required, the hospital and doctor chosen, and the patient’s insurance coverage. The average cost of Ewing sarcoma treatment in India is around $10,197 (approximately Rs 7.5 lakhs), with a minimum cost of $250 (approximately Rs 18,000) and a maximum cost of $15,000 (approximately Rs 11 lakhs). However, these costs may not include all the expenses involved in the Ewing sarcoma treatment, such as diagnostic tests, medications, follow-up visits, rehabilitation, and supportive care.
Ewing Sarcoma Meaning
Ewing sarcoma is a rare cancer that influences the bones & the soft tissues around them. It usually occurs in children, teenagers, and young adults, especially during puberty when bones are proliferating. Ewing sarcoma can cause pain, swelling, fever, and sometimes fractures in the affected area. It can also spread to other parts of the body, such as the lungs, bones, bone marrow, and lymph nodes.
Ewing sarcoma is named after James Ewing, who first described it in 1920. It is one of the types of small round cell sarcomas, which are cancers that have small, round cells under the microscope. Ewing sarcoma is often caused by a genetic change called translocation, which means that two pieces of chromosomes break off and switch places. This creates a new gene that makes the cells grow out of control.
Ewing Sarcoma Survival Rate
The Ewing Sarcoma Survival Rate depends on many factors, such as the stage of the cancer, the age of the person, and the type of treatment they receive. The stage of the cancer is the most crucial factor. It indicates how far the cancer has spread from where it started.
The 5-year relative survival rate is the possibility of how likely a person is to survive for at least 5 years after being diagnosed with ES, compared to people who do not have ES. As per the American Cancer Society, the five-year relative survival rate for patients with Ewing Sarcoma is as follows:
– 82% for cancer that has not expanded at the time of detection (localized)
– 71% for cancer that has moved to surrounding tissues or lymph nodes at the time of detection (regional)
– 39% for cancer that has metastasized to distant body parts at the time of diagnosis (distant)
– 63% for all stages combined
The survival rate for children with ES is generally higher than for adults. About 79% of children aged 0 to 14 years who are diagnosed with ES will be alive 5 years later. For teens between 15 to 19 years, the survival rate is about 56%. Adults over 20 years old may have a lower survival rate than children unless they receive very aggressive treatment.
The survival rate for ES can also vary depending on other factors, such as:
– The size and location of the tumor
– The level of a blood enzyme called lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), which may indicate how fast the cancer is growing
– The response to treatment, such as chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation therapy
– The recurrence of the cancer after treatment
ES is a challenging disease to treat and cure, but there is hope for people living with it. New research and clinical trials are constantly looking for better ways to diagnose, treat, & prevent ES. People with ES should talk to their doctors about their prognosis and Ewing sarcoma treatments and seek support from their family, friends, & medical team.
Ewing Sarcoma Staging
There are different ways to stage Ewing sarcoma, which means to describe how much the cancer has spread in the body. One of the simplest ways is to classify it as either localized or metastatic. Localized Ewing sarcoma means that cancer has not spread beyond the original tumor or nearby tissues. Metastatic Ewing sarcoma means that the cancer has spread to distant body organs, like the lungs, liver, or bone marrow.
Another way to stage Ewing sarcoma is to use the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) TNMG system, which is based on four factors: tumor size, lymph node involvement, metastasis, and grade. The grade of Ewing sarcoma is always 3, which means it is very aggressive. The TNMG system divides Ewing sarcoma into four stages:
– Stage 1: The tumor is smaller than 8 cm across & has not spread to lymph nodes or distant sites.
– Stage 2: The tumor is larger than 8 cm across & has not spread to lymph nodes or distant sites.
– Stage 3: There is more than one tumor in the same bone, and it has not spread to lymph nodes or distant sites.
– Stage 4: The tumor has metastasized to lymph nodes or distant sites.
The Ewing sarcoma staging helps doctors determine the best treatment options and the prognosis for each patient.
Ewing Sarcoma Causes
While the exact cause of Ewing sarcoma is not fully understood, it is believed to result from genetic mutations that occur randomly in cells, leading to the development of cancer. Some potential factors that may contribute to the development of Ewing sarcoma include:
1. Genetic Factors: Ewing sarcoma is often associated with specific chromosomal abnormalities, particularly involving chromosomes 11 and 22. A fusion of two genes, EWSR1 and FLI1, is commonly found in Ewing sarcoma tumors. This fusion gene plays a vital role in the development of the disease.
2. Environmental Factors: While no specific environmental factors have been conclusively linked to Ewing sarcoma, exposure to certain substances such as radiation or chemicals may increase the risk of developing cancer. However, such associations are not always clear and are still under investigation.
3. Family History: While Ewing sarcoma is not typically inherited, there may be a slightly increased risk for individuals with a family history of the disease. However, most cases of Ewing sarcoma occur sporadically without any familial predisposition.
4. Age and Gender: Ewing sarcoma primarily affects children & young adults, with a peak incidence during adolescence. It is slightly more common in males than females.
5. Race: Ewing sarcoma occurs in people of all races and ethnicities, but some studies suggest that it may be slightly more common in Caucasians compared to other racial groups.
6. Immune System Suppression: Individuals with compromised immune systems, such as those with certain genetic disorders or those undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, may have a higher risk of developing Ewing sarcoma.
It’s important to note that while these factors may contribute to the development of Ewing sarcoma, the exact interplay between genetics, environment, and other factors is still being studied.
Ewing Sarcoma Diagnosis
Ewing sarcoma is diagnosed by taking a sample of the tumor tissue and looking at it under a microscope. The tumor cells may also be tested for translocation or other genetic changes. Imaging tests, like X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans, bone scans, and PET scans, may be used to see where the tumor is located and if it has spread. Blood tests and bone marrow tests may also be done to look for signs of cancer.
Risk Factors & Complications Of Ewing Sarcoma
The exact cause of Ewing sarcoma is not known, but it is linked to a genetic change that occurs in some cells. This change involves the swapping of genetic material between two chromosomes, called a translocation. The translocation affects a gene called EWSR1, which plays a role in cell growth & development.
Some factors that may increase the risk of developing Ewing sarcoma are:
– Age: Ewing’s sarcoma is most common in older children and teens and less common in young adults and young children. It is rare in older adults.
– Sex: Ewing sarcoma is slightly more common in males than in females.
– Race/ethnicity: Ewing’s sarcoma is more common in white people (either non-Hispanic or Hispanic) than in African Americans and Asian Americans.
Some of the possible complications of Ewing’s sarcoma and its treatment are:
– Metastasis: Ewing’s sarcoma can spread from where it started to other areas of the body, making it harder to treat and cure.
– Recurrence: Ewing’s sarcoma can come back after successful treatment, either in the same place or in another part of the body.
– Secondary cancers: Ewing’s sarcoma or its treatment can increase the possibility of developing other types of cancer later in life, such as leukemia or bone cancer.
– Fractures: Ewing’s sarcoma can weaken the bones and make them more prone to breaking.
– Treatment side effects: Ewing’s sarcoma treatment can cause short-term and long-term side effects, such as hair loss, nausea, infection, infertility, growth problems, nerve damage, kidney damage, and heart problems.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Ewing’s sarcoma presents significant challenges for patients and healthcare professionals alike, but with advancements in research and treatment modalities, there is hope for improved outcomes and quality of life. By recognizing the Ewing’s sarcoma causes and symptoms, understanding the available treatments, & staying well-informed about the latest medical advancements in the field, individuals affected by Ewing’s sarcoma can better navigate their journey and access the support they need.
The expenses associated with Ewing’s sarcoma treatment, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and supportive care, can quickly escalate, placing immense financial strain on families. Here, crowdfunding offers a platform for individuals to pool resources and collectively alleviate the burden of these expenses. It allows friends, family members, and even strangers to come together, offer words of encouragement, and contribute towards a common goal: aiding the patient in their fight against cancer.
