Ewing Sarcoma: What You Need to Know About This Childhood Cancer by Ann Marie Patitucci

Ewing sarcoma, also known as Ewing’s sarcoma, Askin tumor and pPNET (peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumor), is a type of childhood cancer most frequently found in children and young adults between 10 and 20 years old. According to St. Jude Research Children's Hospital, while rare, it is the second most common bone cancer in children, following osteosarcoma, affecting around 200 children and young adults in the U.S. each year. It affects slightly more girls than boys and is rarely found in Asian-American or African-American children. Ewing sarcoma does not appear to be genetic.

Approximately 70 percent of children and adolescents with Ewing sarcoma are cured. Chemotherapy is usually the first step in treating Ewing sarcoma. Surgery may be recommended after chemo has reduced the cancer. Radiation can be used to decrease or kill cancer cells that can not be surgically removed.

For more information on Ewing sarcoma and other childhood cancers, please visit StJude.org. Make a donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Children’s Hospital to help end childhood cancer.

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