Ewing sarcoma is a rare type of bone cancer.Bone cancer is itself rare, with around 600 cases being diagnosed in the UK each year.
The three main types of primary bone cancer are chondrosarcoma, osteosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma.
Ewing sarcoma most commonly affects people who are 10 to 20 years old.
SARCOMA
A sarcoma is a type of cancer that develops in the body's supporting tissues. Bone sarcomas and soft tissue sarcomas are the two main types.
Ewing sarcoma usually occurs in bone. It most commonly develops in the:
- Pelvis bone (hips)
- Thigh bone (femur)
- Shin bone (tibia)
However, the condition can also develop in the soft tissues surrounding the bone or joint. This type of Ewing sarcoma is known as extraosseous, which means outside the bone.
SYMPTOMS OF EWING SARCOMA
The symptoms of Ewing sarcoma will depend on the size of the cancer and where it is in the body.
The main symptoms are pain in the affected area that gets progressively worse, and swelling and tenderness.
Other possible, but less common, symptoms may include a high temperature (fever), severe tiredness and weight loss.
In some cases of Ewing sarcoma, there may not be any symptoms at all. However, as the tumour grows it could weaken the affected bone, increasing the risk of fracture.
CAUSES OF EWING SARCOMA
Like other types of bone cancer, the exact cause of Ewing sarcoma is unknown.
As the condition tends to predominantly affect older children and teenagers, one theory is that it may be related to fast-growing bones.
The rapid growth spurt that happens during puberty may in some way make bone tissue more vulnerable to cancer.
Research has also found babies born with an umbilical hernia are three times more likely to develop Ewing sarcoma.
However, the increased risk is still small as only 1 in 110,000 children with an umbilical hernia will go on to develop the condition.
The Cancer Research UK website has more information about the risks and causes of bone cancer.
DIAGNOSIS OF EWING SARCOMA
It can be done
1. By taking all symptoms and examine the affected area.
2. By an X-ray to check for anything abnormal.
3. MRI
4. Bone biopsy may be carried out to confirm whether cancer is present.
5. The Cancer Research UK website has more information about tests for bone cancer and the stages of bone cancer.
HOMEOPATHIC MEDICINE FOR EWING SARCOMA
Symphytum, Hekla Lava, Ruta, Carcinosin, RL -16
OR As Directed by Physician
