A delay in diagnosing Ewing sarcoma bone cancer can affect prognosis
Ewing sarcoma is a form of malignant bone cancer that is found mostly in children, teenagers and young adults. If the cancer is not diagnosed and promptly treated it could quickly spread to other organs.
Common signs or symptoms of Ewing sarcoma are:
- Tenderness, stiffness or pain at the cancer or tumor location
- Swelling or a mass at the affected bone
- A break or fracture in the bone due to weakening of the bone
If a child presents with one or more of the above symptoms, a diagnostic evaluation should be started. Diagnostic and radiologic tests used to diagnose tumors include x-rays, MRI, CT scan, PET scan, radioisotope bone scan, blood tests, biopsy, bone marrow aspiration and EOS imaging.
Treatment for Ewing’s sarcoma can include:
- Surgery
- Chemotherapy
- Reconstructive surgery
- Amputation
- Radiation
- Proton therapy
If a Ewing sarcoma tumor is localized when it is found, the overall five-year survival rate is about 70 percent, according to the American Cancer Society. But if the cancer has already spread to other areas of the body at the time of diagnosis, the survival rate is lower. Prompt diagnosis and aggressive therapy are important for the best prognosis.
If you feel your child or grandchild had a delay in diagnosing Ewing’s sarcoma or if there was a misdiagnosis of cancer you may want to speak with an attorney that is experienced in cancer diagnosis lawsuits or a law firm with medical malpractice doctor/lawyers.