Ewings Sarcoma

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What is Ewings Sarcoma?

Ewings sarcoma is a primary malignant "small round cell" tumour of bone. The small cells that make up the tumour resemble those of lymphoma or neuroblastoma, and current evidence suggests that the tumour cells are related to nerve cells (have a neural phenotype).

Who gets Ewings Sarcoma?

Ewings sarcoma constitutes approximately 10-15% of all bone sarcomas. It is the bone tumour with the youngest age predilection - being common in adolescence, and has a peak incidence in the second decade of life.

Predisposing Factors

Ewings sarcomas arise in teenage years when bone growth is most rapid. It is believed that the rapid bone growth predisposes to the development of the cancer. In approximately 85% of Ewings sarcomas there is a specific genetic cause.

Progression

The disease can be very aggressive, hence it is considered a systemic disease. Local growth is often accompanied by systemic metastasis (spreading) - to lung, other bones, and bone marrow.

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