Clinical management of Ewing sarcoma of the bones of the hands and feet: a retrospective single-institution review.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Bones of the hands and feet are uncommon sites for Ewing sarcoma. In this study, we reviewed our experience in the management of these tumors.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed clinical presentation, management, and outcome of patients with Ewing sarcoma of the bones of hands and feet treated at our institution (1981-2006).

RESULTS

The cohort included 6 males and 3 females (8 white, 1 African American; median age at diagnosis, 15 years). Primary tumor site was the hand in 6 and the foot in 3 patients. Three patients had distant metastatic disease at diagnosis (lung [n = 2]; ipsilateral axillary lymph node[(n = 1]). All patients had painful swelling at the primary site, and 2 (22%) had pathological fracture. All patients received chemotherapy and local control measures (surgery [n = 6], radiation [n = 2], surgery and radiation [(n = 1]). Three patients received radiotherapy for distant metastases. Three patients had systemic recurrence (lungs [n = 2], lung and brain [n = 1]); none had local tumor recurrence. Median follow-up was 5 years. Five patients (55.6%) are alive at last follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Chemotherapy and surgical excision of primary tumor are the mainstays of treatment. Radiotherapy is recommended for local control of lesions in the hand for patients declining excisional therapy.