Ewing's Sarcoma

Ewing's sarcoma differs from osteosarcoma in that it affects a different part of the bone -- the bone shaft -- and tends to be found in bones other than the long bones of the arm and leg, such as the ribs. Like osteogenic sarcoma, it usually occurs between the ages of 10 and 25, is seen more often in males, and frequently spreads to other bones and the lungs.

Young people with this type of cancer usually have more general signs -- fever, chills, and weakness -- than are present in osteogenic sarcoma. Because the symptoms can point to other conditions, definitive diagnosis depends on biopsy. A bone survey, bone scans, chest x-rays, lung tomograms, liver scans, and brain scans may be done as well to look for evidence of metastases.

Treatment involves use of a combination of intensive radiation therapy and chemotherapy.

Each year, Medical College of Wisconsin physicians care for more than 180,000 patients, representing nearly 500,000 patient visits. Medical College physicians practice at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital, the Milwaukee VA Medical Center, and many other hospitals and clinics in Milwaukee and southeastern Wisconsin.