Ewing Sarcoma (Ewing’s Sarcoma)

Ewing sarcoma is a rare cancer that most often affects children and teenagers aged 10–20. It usually starts in the bone (about 87% of cases) and less commonly in nearby soft tissues such as muscle or cartilage. The most frequent locations are the pelvis, chest wall and long bones of the legs. In the United States, around 200 children and young adults are diagnosed each year. There are several related forms of Ewing sarcoma, including Askin tumor, extraosseous Ewing sarcoma and peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumor (pPNET). These tumors share the same genetic origin and are treated as one disease group. At Sheba Medical Center, patients with Ewing sarcoma receive comprehensive, multidisciplinary care. As the largest medical center in the region, Sheba brings together internationally trained pediatric oncologists, orthopedic surgeons, radiologists and radiation oncologists to deliver personalized treatment plans. Each case is carefully evaluated to ensure accurate diagnosis, staging and the most effective therapy. Symptoms Persistent or intermittent bone pain Swelling, tenderness or a lump near the tumor Limping or reduced movement if a limb is affected Fever, fatigue, weight loss Unexplained fractures Advanced disease may cause shortness of breath or chest pain if the lungs are involved Diagnosis & Staging Diagnosis includes imaging (X-ray, MRI, CT, PET), biopsy, and molecular genetic testing to confirm the characteristic chromosomal changes. Disease is classified as localized, regional, metastatic or recurrent, which guides treatment decisions. Treatment Treatment typically combines chemotherapy, surgery and radiation therapy, with options such as targeted therapy, immunotherapy or bone marrow transplantation in selected cases. Sheba’s approach addresses both medical outcomes and quality of life. Prognosis When diagnosed early, outcomes are favorable. Localized Ewing sarcoma has a 5-year survival rate of up to 82%, while prognosis depends on stage, tumor size, location, age and response to therapy. Early expert care makes a critical difference in Ewing sarcoma outcomes.