18 Feb 2008 04:38:05 | Michael Monheit, Esquire, Monheit Law, PC
Ewing’s sarcoma, a childhood cancer, is fairly rare, but is
often curable. Information on Ewings sacroma is key! The most
important factor is making an early diagnosis. The second
critical piece of information on Ewings sarcoma is the choice
and monitoring of proper pediatric cancer treatment.
Ewing’s sarcoma mostly strikes between the ages of 10 and 20,
but younger children and older adults can also get the disease.
The cause of Ewing's sarcoma is unknown. Like other cancers it
is not infectious and cannot be passed on to other people.
However, like other sarcomas; it can be spread to other parts of
the body. Symptoms of Ewing's sarcoma vary depending on the
location and size of the cancer. The most common symptoms are
pain and swelling or tenderness in the affected area. Pain may
become very intense when the tumor is located near important
nerves, like in the pelvis or spine. Swelling is often seen,
especially when the long bones of the arms or legs are affected.
Sometimes the Ewing’s sarcoma tumor can interfere with movement
and can weaken bones, occasionally leading to a fracture. Other
Ewing’s sarcoma symptoms may include tiredness, fever, weight
loss, and anemia.
Ewing’s sarcoma may be diagnosed from x-rays, ultrasound,
computed tomography (CT) scan, positron emission tomography
(PET) scan, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A specialist
must biopsy a mass when Ewing's sarcoma is suspected. A bone
marrow biopsy may also be needed to evaluate the extent of
Ewing’s sarcoma.
Information on curing Ewings sarcoma: Most children with Ewing's
sarcoma can be cured. Even if the tumor returns, further
treatment may be given successfully. Surgery and radiotherapy
can stop bones from growing and may make muscles and tendons
shorter. Thusly, further operations later in life are necessary.
However, most children who are successfully treated for Ewing's
sarcoma grow up with little disability if a timely diagnosis is
made and proper Ewing’s sarcoma treatment begins.
Information on Failure to diagnose Ewing’s sarcoma properly may
be due to: Today’s average medical practitioner will rarely see
a child with cancer. Lack of familiarity with the signs and
symptoms of childhood cancer may be one reason why the diagnosis
is delayed or missed. Another reason may be the result of too
many layers of healthcare bureaucracy or the exorbitant cost of
healthcare.
Failure to diagnose Ewing’s sarcoma and other childhood cancers
may result in medical malpractice.
Information on Litigating Ewings Sarcoma cases: Do Ewing’s
sarcoma medical malpractice cases end up in trial?
Many Ewing’s sarcoma and other pediatric cancer cases are
resolved without going to trial; however, an insurance company
cannot settle a case without consent of its insured. Also some
medical malpractice cases never go to trial but instead are
resolved through binding arbitration. Many hospitals, doctors,
and HMOs ask patients to sign an agreement to go to binding
arbitration in the event of a claim or dispute. These agreements
are often in fine print in the initial papers a patient fills
out when first seeing a doctor or upon admission to a hospital
or joining a HMO.
About Author :
Michael Monheit, Esquire is the managing attorney for Monheit
Law. The practice focuses on plaintiff personal injury cases.
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Sarcoma Case Inquiry Form