Recognizing askin tumor, a malignant tumor that attacks the chest

Although it is a rare occurrence, Askin's tumor is a type of malignant tumor that may affect children and young people. So, what are the symptoms of this malignant tumor? What types of treatment are available to treat Askin tumors?

What is an Askin tumor?

Askin's tumor is a malignant tumor that belongs to the type of peripheral primitive neuroectodemal tumor (pPNET) which attacks the bone tissue and muscle tissue of the chest wall. These malignant tumor cells are included in the Ewing's sarcoma cancer group, because they both come from soft tissues in the body.

Experts claim that this disease is more common in children and young people. Askin tumors also tend to be more common in men than women.

What are the symptoms of an Askin tumor?

Symptoms that appear can vary, but the most common, namely:

• Pain and pain in the chest
• It's hard to breathe
• There is a lump in the chest area
• Chronic cough

In some cases, Askin tumors also cause fluid in the lungs (pleural effusion), aka wet lungs.

What causes Askin's tumor?

Until now it is not known what the exact cause of this malignant tumor is. Experts reveal that Askin tumors develop from neuroectodermal cells, namely cells that become the embryo of central nerve cells and peripheral nerves. These cells develop abnormally and then form small, round cell tumors that are malignant.

In several studies, it is stated that these cells develop abnormally due to genetic problems, such as DNA mutations or DNA abnormalities in the body.

How is an Askin tumor diagnosed?

It is not easy to detect this Askin tumor, because in many cases, this malignant tumor is similar to other types of tumors, so it is often misleading. Therefore, to diagnose this disease, requires a complete and slightly complicated examination. Here are some health checks that can detect the presence of an Askin tumor:

1. CT scan

This examination is done to find out how big the mass and size of the tumor in the chest. CT scans are more accurate than using regular X-rays, because they can show parts of the body in more detail, thus giving the medical team an overview of tumor development.

2. MRI

MRI examinations using magnetic technology are also performed to determine tumor development and can provide images down to the smallest body tissue.

3. Tissue biopsy

A biopsy is done by taking a small amount of tumor tissue that is developing. This medical procedure aims to determine the nature, type, and stage of the tumor.

What medications are used to treat Askin tumors?

Just like cancer treatment in general, this malignant tumor grows very fast and aggressively, so several combinations of treatment must be done, such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery.

Usually, chemotherapy or radiotherapy is done first to reduce the mass and size of the tumor. After that, then surgery is done to remove the attached tumor. At the end of treatment, chemotherapy or radiotherapy is continued to remove any remaining malignant tumor cells that may still be present in the body's tissues. this type of treatment is called a neoadjuvant.

Meanwhile, surgery can also be done first then followed by chemotherapy and radiotherapy. This method of treatment is known as adjuvant treatment, where chemotherapy is performed after surgery.

Of course, the success of treatment will depend on each condition, if this type of tumor is found at an early stage, the cure rate is quite high. However, just like other Ewing's sarcoma cancers, this malignant tumor grows very quickly and it is easy to spread to other parts of the body. Therefore, it requires fast and precise handling.