Askin’s Tumor Symptoms, Survival Rate, Causes, Treatment

Askin's Tumor Symptoms, Survival Rate, Causes, Treatment

Askin’s tumor develops from the chest and is a rare form of tumor. Small blue cells are seen with this tumor. The frequency of the Askin’s tumor is greater in males as compared to females. The second malignant bone tumor is called Askin’s tumor or Ewing Sarcoma.

The Askin’s tumor rarely occurs in people over the age of 30 years. This tumor appears as a grey-white mass with hemorrhagic and cystic sections. Onion peel appearance is seen when it is observed in radiographic reports of the chest. It can also be seen as homogenous opacity. MRI is usually preferred over the CT scan due to the accuracy of the results.

Immunohistochemistry is also used to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other specific tumors relevant to Askin’s. The recurrence of this neoplasm is local. There are chances that after successful treatment, Askin’s tumor may reappear with different or the same symptoms. The treatment is case-specific. 

Askin's Tumor Symptoms, Survival Rate, Causes,  Treatment

Askin’s Tumor Symptoms

Now, let’s discuss the symptoms of this tumor. Respiratory symptoms are commonly associated with Askin’s tumor. This might include the following signs and symptoms:

  • Chest pain
  • Fever
  • Breathlessness
  • Persistent cough
  • Vomiting
  • Nausea
  • Chest tightness

The pain intensity might drop down at night time. But it never goes away. Local paresthesia is commonly seen in these patients. Whereas, occurrences of symptoms related to metastasis or fracture are quite rare and unusual. At first, it is presumed to be normal lower respiratory tract infections.

Radiographic tests aid in the diagnosis of the tumor. There should be a moment of suspicion if the patient is not responding to the antibiotics and if they are experiencing any alarming symptoms. An aggressive investigation is obligatory in these conditions to diagnose Askin’s tumor as soon as possible. This can help in the treatment at the early stages of the tumor.

Askin’s Tumor Survival Rate

The survival rate of Askin’s tumor is dependent on the extent or the grade of the tumor. Most chest tumors or tumors that arise from the chest are discussed under the category of 5-year survival rate. Are you wondering what that is?

Well, 5-year survival rate means that a patient has a high chance to survive till 5 years after the diagnosis. There is no guarantee of the quality of life. It also depends on each patient separately. There are stages defined that can help to monitor if the patient has survival chances up to 5 years.

If the tumor is restricted to one part of the body, it means it falls under the localized category and is a bit easy to tackle. Moreover, If the tumor has spread in more than one tissue, it is regional. While, in the systemic sub-type, the tumor has spread to organs. There are overall 70% survival rate chances in Askin’s tumor patients.

Askin’s Tumor Causes

The clear causes of Askin’s tumor are still unknown. It has been clinically researched that lifestyle choices play a major role in the development of Askin’s tumor. Sometimes the main reason for the tumor can be hereditary factors. No one is sure about the cause. Everybody has different assumptions which are not strongly supported by clinical research.

Askin’s tumor might affect other organs and tissues of the body which leads to the aggressive stages of the tumor. A biopsy can be recommended if the healthcare professionals are unsure about the prognosis after the preliminary investigation. In some cases, patients experience more than one tumor which can be life-threatening. 

The survival rate and the quality of life are highly dependent on the patient and how their symptoms are managed.

Askin’s Tumor Treatment

Different treatment plans are devised for each patient separately. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy are always considered as the first-line treatments. Mostly, this helps to cure the tumor to some extent but the side effects affect the patient emotionally and physically. 

The survival chances increase double-fold if the patient goes for complete surgical resection. Sometimes, the surgery is not possible so the patient has to undergo radiation or management therapy in that case. The follow-up plan is vital for every patient who is diagnosed with Askin’s tumor.

Surgery has opted in the cases when the patients don’t respond to the radiation therapy. This is usually seen in younger patients who are unable to cope with harsh adverse reactions of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Relapses and musculoskeletal complications are normally seen with the patients.

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