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Ewing's sarcoma x ray

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [2];Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Suveenkrishna Pothuru, M.B,B.S. [3] Assistant Editor(s)-In-Chief: Michael Maddaleni, B.S.

Overview

Overview

X-ray may be helpful in the diagnosis of Ewing’s sarcoma. Findings on x-ray diagnostic of Ewing’s sarcoma include permeative lytic lesion, periosteal reaction, and soft tissue calcification.

X-Ray

X-Ray

X-ray add valuable information in the initial evaluation of Ewing’s sarcoma.The appearance of these tumors is variable. Common x-ray findings are listed below:

  • A permeative lytic lesion in the metaphysis and diaphysis of the bone with a prominent soft tissue mass extending from the bone.
  • Periosteal reaction usually is present, and it often has an onionskin or sunburst pattern, which indicates an aggressive process.
  • Codman triangle may be present at the margins of the lesion. These result from the elevation of the periosteum and central destruction of the periosteal reaction caused by the tumor.
  • The wide zone of transition (e.g. permeative) is the most useful plain film characteristic in differentiation of benign versus aggressive or malignant lytic lesions.
  • Soft tissue calcification is uncommon, seen in less than 10% of cases.
References

References

  1. Ewing’s sarcoma.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ewing%27s_sarcoma
  2. Image courtesy of Dr. John Hunter’s. Radiopaedia (original file [1]). Creative Commons BY-SA-NC

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