What is Ewing's Sarcoma?

In 1921, James Ewing, MD, described a bone tumor that, unlike the common bone tumor, osteosarcoma, could be treated with radiation. This newly identified tumor became known as Ewing’s tumor. At first, this tumor was only seen in bones. Soon, the same type of tumor was detected in the soft tissues and named extraosseous Ewing’s.

It can occur at any age but are most common in the early teen-age years. Most occur in the middle of long bones of the legs or arms, unlike osteosarcoma, which usually occurs at the ends of the bones. Tumors can also occur in the pelvic bones or in the chest near the ribs.