What is Ewing’s Sarcomas?

Ewing’s sarcomas, or Ewing’s tumors, are a category of cancers that form in the bones or soft tissues. Ewing’s sarcomas usually form in the pelvis, chest or legs, particularly the long bones. Rarely, tumors grow in the skull or flat bones of the trunk.

Researchers have found that Ewing’s sarcomas are caused by genetic changes that happen after birth. However, it is not known why some people develop the disease. It is not passed down in families.

Ewing’s sarcomas are categorized into three types. While each type is slightly different, they all are caused by the same gene abnormalities and are treated in the same way.

Peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PPNET): An extremely rare type of cancer, these tumors share certain characteristics with Ewing’s sarcoma of the bone and EOE.

Although the exact cause of Ewing’s sarcoma is not known, certain things seem to put people at higher risk of developing the disease.

Things to Look-out when at risk of Ewing’s Tumors:

Race: Children who are white (non-Hispanic or Hispanic) are at higher risk. Ewing’s sarcoma is very rare in other races.
In rare cases, Ewing’s sarcoma can be passed down from one generation to the next. Genetic counseling may be right for you.

Why choose Us?

At ACH, each child with Ewing’s sarcoma has a team of highly specialized experts who customize your child’s treatment to ensure the most effective therapy with the least impact on the body – now and in the future.

Ewing’s sarcoma is rare, and many doctors have little experience with treating it. Our physicians are highly trained and experienced in treating Ewing’s. This can translate into a better outcome in many cases.

Accurate diagnosis of Ewing’s sarcoma can be challenging, but it is essential to successful treatment. Our pathologists are dedicated to sarcoma, and they use the latest, most-sophisticated tests to pinpoint the type and extent of the cancer.
Ewing’s sarcoma often requires a multi-therapy approach. Using the latest advances in complex limb-sparing surgeries, our surgeons are often able to avoid amputation if the cancer is in an arm or leg. If amputation is needed, we offer specialized rehabilitation.

Many children with Ewing’s sarcoma are treated with clinical trials. We participate in trials of the Children’s Oncology Group and offer other innovative therapies available at only a few hospitals in the nation. Our researchers have helped make many advances, including using drug combinations to treat Ewing’s sarcoma.