Widhe B et al. - The most important clinical finding in Ewing sarcoma (EWS) of the rib was a palpable mass and pleural effusion. Both findings are rare in this age group and should be thoroughly investigated. Methods
Study to examine the initial symptoms of EWS of the rib that could help to shorten the delay in diagnosis
Records of 26 consecutive pts were examined from the first visit for symptoms related to EWS of the rib
All pts were <30 yrs of age and had been diagnosed between 1981 and 2000
All pts had a minimum of 5 yrs of f/u
Results
A tumor was suspected at the first visit in only 5/26 pts; pleurisy was the most common misdiagnosis
23 pts complained of pain, localized or pleuritic, and 11 had a palpable mass
15/26 pts had chest radiographs taken at the first visit, but a tumor was suspected in only 4 cases
The most common radiographic finding was pleural effusion -- diagnosed in 10/15 pts
23 pts were operated
In 6 pts no tumor was suspected before surgery
12 pts died from the Ewing sarcoma
Median survival was 2.4 yrs
Doctor's delay was median 3.0 (0-10) mos, but it exceeded 7 mos in 4 pts
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