Primary Ewing's sarcoma of the cranium

Abstract

Objective: We analyzed the data for a series of 14 patients with primary Ewing's sarcomas of the cranium who were treated since 1985. Our aim was to assess the long-term outcomes and the selection of appropriate treatment methods.

Methods: The patients were reviewed with respect to their clinical presentations, treatment, and outcomes. Computed tomographic scanning of the brain was performed for all patients. Skeletal surveys with routine radiographs and technetium-99 bone scans to detect extracranial Ewing's sarcomas were performed for all patients. For all 14 patients, radical tumor excision was achieved surgically. All patients were then subjected to adjuvant multidrug chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The follow-up periods ranged from 8 months to 8 years (mean, 4.25 yr).

Results: The predominant presenting features were headaches, increased intracranial pressure, and scalp swelling. Excision was nearly total for nine patients and total for five patients. All patients experienced uneventful postoperative courses. One patient experienced a local recurrence, which was detected 2 years after surgery. This recurrent tumor was completely excised, and additional chemotherapy was administered. Eight of the 14 patients (57.1%) studied have survived 5 years or longer.

Conclusion: Although primary Ewing's sarcoma of the cranium is a malignant bone tumor, it is associated with a good prognosis when treated with radical surgery, aggressive multidrug chemotherapy, and radiotherapy.