Ewing Sarcoma Symptoms

The symptoms of Ewing sarcoma vary from person to person and depend on the location and size of the tumor. Usually, the first symptom is pain at the tumor site, which may worsen at night or during physical activity. The pain can be caused by the tumor growing or by a fracture in a bone weakened by the tumor.

Early symptoms of Ewing sarcoma

Early symptoms are often subtle and may be mistaken for minor injuries or growing pains. They can include:

• Mild or intermittent pain at a bone or joint
• Swelling or tenderness at the affected area
• Fatigue or general feeling of being unwell
• Limping if a leg is affected

Late symptoms of Ewing sarcoma

As the tumor grows, symptoms may become more pronounced:

• A noticeable lump or mass at the tumor site
• Persistent or worsening pain, sometimes severe
• Broken bones after minor trauma or normal activity
• Fever, night sweats or unintentional weight loss
• Weakness, numbness or paralysis in arms or legs if the tumor compresses the spinal cord
• Shortness of breath if the cancer has spread to the lungs

Other conditions with similar symptoms

Many of the early symptoms of Ewing sarcoma resemble common conditions, including:

• Sports injuries or fractures
• Growing pains
• Infections or inflammatory conditions of the bone
• Benign bone tumors

Because these symptoms overlap with other health problems, careful evaluation by a specialist is important to rule out other causes.

When to see a doctor

You should contact a doctor if you experience:

• Persistent bone or joint pain, especially if it worsens at night or with activity
• Swelling or a new lump that does not go away
• Recurrent fractures with minor accidents
• Unexplained weight loss, fatigue or fever

Early diagnosis is critical for successful treatment. If you notice these symptoms, it is important to see a healthcare professional promptly, preferably at a center with experience in bone cancers.