Ewing Sarcoma
Description
Ewing sarcoma is a rare type of cancer that primarily affects bones. It‘s most commonly diagnosed in children and young adults, with a median age at diagnosis of 15 years old. Though rare, it‘s important to be aware of its signs and symptoms so you can seek treatment early. This blog will cover the basics of Ewing sarcoma, from its causes to management and thriving after diagnosis.
Genes Involved
Ewing sarcoma is associated with a translocation between chromosomes 11 and 22. This translocation results in the production of a fusion protein that is thought to be responsible for the development of the cancer. The fusion protein is a combination of two genes, EWS and FLI1. EWS is a gene that is involved in the regulation of gene expression. FLI1 is a gene that is involved in the development of bones and other tissues.
Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms
The symptoms of Ewing sarcoma vary depending on where the tumor is located. However, common signs include: * Pain in the affected area * Swelling in the affected area * Limited mobility of the affected area * Fatigue * Weight loss * Fever * A lump or mass can be felt under the skin in some cases.
Causes
The exact cause of Ewing sarcoma is unknown, but it‘s thought to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Genetic factors are thought to play a role because Ewing sarcoma has been found in families. Environmental factors are also thought to play a role, but these are not fully understood.
Inheritance/recurrence risk
Ewing sarcoma is not typically inherited, meaning it‘s not passed down from parents to children. However, certain genetic syndromes may increase the risk of developing the cancer. In some cases, Ewing sarcoma can recur after treatment. Recurrence means the cancer has come back after it was initially treated. Recurrence is more likely if the tumor is large, located in a difficult-to-treat area, or if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
