Ewing sarcoma is part of a group of cancers called the Ewing Family of Tumors that affect the bones or nearby soft tissue. Cancer occurs when healthy cells change and grow uncontrollably, forming a mass called a tumor. A tumor can be cancerous or benign. A cancerous tumor is malignant, meaning it can grow and spread to other parts of the body. A benign tumor means the tumor can grow but will not spread.
Where Ewing tumors develop
Depending on the type, Ewing tumors develop in different places.
-
Ewing sarcoma. Also called Ewing tumor of the bones, Ewing sarcoma is the most common type of EFT. Ewing sarcoma most often develops in the leg, pelvis, rib, arm, or spine.
-
Extraosseous Ewing (EOE). EOE is a tumor that grows in the soft tissue outside the bone. An EOE is usually found in the thigh, pelvis, spine, chest, or foot.
-
Peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PPNET). PPNET is a rare tumor found in the bones and soft tissues. This includes Askin's tumor, which is a PPNET of the chest wall.
This section covers Ewing sarcoma diagnosed in children and teenagers. For more information about Ewing sarcoma in adults, please read Cancer.Net's Guide to Bone Cancer.
Looking for More of an Overview?
If you would like additional introductory information, explore these related items. Please note these links will take you to other sections on Cancer.Net:
-
ASCO Answers Fact Sheet: Read a one-page fact sheet (available as a PDF) that offers an easy-to-print introduction to this type of cancer.
-
Cancer.Net Patient Education Videos: View short videos led by an ASCO expert in childhood cancers that provides basic information about childhood cancer treatment, childhood cancer survivorship, and adolescents/young adults with cancer.