Extraskeletal Ewing sarcoma

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Extraskeletal Ewing Sarcoma[edit | edit source]

Extraskeletal Ewing sarcoma (EES) is a rare and aggressive form of cancer that originates in the soft tissues outside of the bone. It is part of the Ewing sarcoma family of tumors, which also includes Ewing sarcoma of the bone and Askin tumor.

Epidemiology[edit | edit source]

EES is a rare condition, accounting for a small percentage of all Ewing sarcoma cases. It primarily affects children and young adults, with a peak incidence between the ages of 10 and 20. The disease shows a slight male predominance.

Pathophysiology[edit | edit source]

EES is characterized by the presence of small round blue cells, similar to those found in Ewing sarcoma of the bone. The tumor is often associated with a specific chromosomal translocation, t(11;22)(q24;q12), which results in the EWSR1-FLI1 fusion gene. This genetic alteration is a hallmark of the Ewing sarcoma family of tumors.

Clinical Presentation[edit | edit source]

Patients with EES typically present with a rapidly growing mass in the soft tissues. Common sites include the trunk, extremities, and retroperitoneum. Symptoms may include pain, swelling, and occasionally systemic symptoms such as fever and weight loss.

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

The diagnosis of EES involves a combination of imaging studies, histopathological examination, and molecular testing. Imaging techniques such as MRI and CT scans are used to assess the extent of the tumor. A biopsy is necessary to confirm the diagnosis, and molecular testing can identify the characteristic EWSR1-FLI1 fusion gene.

Treatment[edit | edit source]

The treatment of EES typically involves a multimodal approach, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. The specific treatment plan depends on the size, location, and extent of the tumor, as well as the patient's overall health. Chemotherapy regimens often include agents such as vincristine, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, and ifosfamide.

Prognosis[edit | edit source]

The prognosis for patients with EES varies depending on several factors, including the size and location of the tumor, the presence of metastases, and the response to treatment. Overall, the prognosis is similar to that of Ewing sarcoma of the bone, with a 5-year survival rate of approximately 50-70% for localized disease.

Research and Future Directions[edit | edit source]

Ongoing research is focused on improving the understanding of the molecular biology of EES and developing targeted therapies. Clinical trials are exploring the use of novel agents and immunotherapies to improve outcomes for patients with this rare disease.

See Also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]


External Links[edit | edit source]

NIH genetic and rare disease info[edit source]

Extraskeletal Ewing sarcoma is a rare disease.

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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD