cancer - in shoulder -

[arzle]

09/01/08

Hello,
I would like to get an advice.
My nephew 6 year old, has a cancer growth, in his left shoulder. The growth is a type of "Eying Sarcoma".
He is treatment by radiation, to remove the growth. It will take a long time to cure the place. IF…
The doctors suggest for a surgery. But, they indicate for a risk. The explanation is - by removing the growth it could harm the arm for permanent
Had some one this problem? and what was done to obtain the best result?
Thanks a lot
lazar

[Fernando Roque, MD]

Hi.  Your nephew's condition which you are referring to is most probably Ewing's Sarcoma.  This is a type of sarcoma which is best managed initially by surgical excision.  However, from the information you provided, the doctors don't want to do the surgery because of the increased risk that your nephew would lose the function of his arm as a result.  My guess is that the tumor is large and surgery of your nephew's shoulder will be very extensive.  What his doctors can do is to try and shrink the tumor using either radiation therapy or chemotherapy, then perform the surgery when the tumor has been substantially reduced in size.  This tumor has a tendency to recur, or may not totally be eradicated, if radiotherapy or chemotherapy is used alone, without surgery.

[arzle]

Thanks a lot for your answer. So the best therapy will be together, the two options.
I will tell the parents of the child, in good hope.