Ewing's sarcoma

Ewing's sarcoma is the second most common bone cancer in children. It occurs most frequently in the long bones of the legs or arms, the pelvis, chest wall, spine, and the skull, but can also begin in the soft tissues and not involve bone. This disease most often occurs in adolescents, with nearly half of all cases arising between the ages of 10 and 20. Ewing's sarcoma is somewhat more common in males than in females. In all, there are only about 200-300 diagnosed cases each year in the United States. The 5-year survival rates for patients with Ewing's sarcoma are between 20% and 40%.

“The Ewing's Family of Tumors” includes Ewing's sarcoma, atypical Ewing's sarcoma, and peripheral primitive neuroectodermal (PNET) of bone or soft tissue, and they are all treated in the same manner. A chromosomal mutation can be identified in the tumor cells of the Ewing's Family of Tumors. The chromosomal mutation is not part of the genetic make-up of the person with the tumor, it is only in the tumor cells; the tumor is not inherited. The cause of the Ewing's Family of Tumors is not yet known but it is believed this mutation plays an important role.