Ewing’s Sarcoma, or Ewing Sarcoma, is a rare form of cancer. This disease usually forms in the bones and soft tissue, often in the legs and pelvis. But it can occur elsewhere in some cases. While Ewing’s Sarcoma can develop at any age, teenagers and children are particularly at risk.
If your child or a young family member has been diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma, it can be a challenging and stressful time. The good news is that there are more therapeutic options available than ever before for this condition, and many children have a positive long-term outlook. Although there are many factors out of your control, one of the best things anyone can do is educate themselves. This can enable you to work more closely with medical professionals and other caregivers to achieve the best possible outcome.
Ewing’s Sarcoma Causes
Ewing’s Sarcoma is a very rare condition, but it is still the second most common form of bone cancer in children, after osteosarcoma. The term actually describes a family of tumors identified by Dr. James Ewing in the 1920s. He distinguished them from osteosarcoma because they responded more favorably to radiotherapy.
As a type of cancer, researchers still don’t fully understand the causes of Ewing’s Sarcoma. Cancerous tissue forms due to a genetic mutation that causes abnormal cells to multiply and destroy healthy tissues. Ewing’s Sarcoma is believed to possibly be related to a specific gene named EWSR1.
Ewing’s Sarcoma Symptoms
Symptoms that lead many parents to seek out a doctor and receive a diagnosis for Ewing’s Sarcoma are:
- Localized pain, and pain in the bones
- Swelling or tenderness near the affected area
- Unexplained fatigue
- Sudden and unexplained weight loss
- Fevers and chills
Ewing’s Sarcoma Risk Factors
The three most predominantly identified risk factors for developing Ewing Sarcoma include:
- Age: This tumor is more likely to occur in teenagers and children than adults.
- Genetics and Ancestry: People of European descent have a higher risk, particularly those people with the EWSR1 gene.
- Gender: The incidence is slightly higher in boys than girls.
Doctors can perform a series of diagnosis tests, including X-ray, biopsy, physical examination, genetic testing, and other steps to confirm the presence of Ewing’s Sarcoma.
Ewing’s Sarcoma Treatment
Like other forms of cancer, Ewing’s Sarcoma is not currently curable. Although there have been advancements in treatment that have improved the long-term outlook for many patients, therapies are still often difficult and intensive. The most common forms of treatment for Ewing’s Sarcoma are:
- Chemotherapy
- Surgery to remove cancerous growths
- Radiation therapy, although this is more rare
Caring for a Child with Ewing’s Sarcoma
As with other cancer treatments, many of the most difficult aspects of care are related to side effects of therapies like chemotherapy and recovery and rehabilitation from surgery. Long-term outlooks are usually positive, but there will be long-term monitoring to ensure the cancer does not return or spread to other areas. Fortunately, a majority of patients have a long-term disease-free survival rate.
For children undergoing treatment for and recovering from Ewing’s Sarcoma, specialized considerations may include physical therapy and mental health counseling.
The emotional needs of the child and family should never be overlooked. In addition to professional help, building a support network of family, friends, and other cancer survivors can make a critical impact. Children with Ewing’s Sarcoma should also try to stay as healthy and active as possible. Regular exercise, hydration, and good nutrition can all promote overall health, helping the body during treatment and recovery from any form of cancer.
For a wide variety of situations, pediatric home care can be a valuable support asset for young patients and their families.
Contact Care Options for Kids for Home Health Care in Florida
It can be hard to balance your time between work, home, and caring for a child. That’s why our team of professionals at Care Options for Kids is here to help. We have been enforcing precautionary measures and following the Centers For Disease Control (CDC) guidelines for COVID-19 to ensure the safety and health of our clients and employees.
Our home health care services offer support in the comfort of your home. We refer loving and competent nurses to provide customized care for families — from a few hours a day to around-the-clock supervision. Contact us directly to speak with a home health care professional or request a free in-home assessment. Together we can determine the best plan of action to keep your loved ones happy and healthy.
If you or a loved one are considering Pediatric Home Health Care Services in Florida, contact the caring staff at Care Options for Kids. Call today at (888) 592-5855.
