What is Ectomesenchymoma?
Ectomesenchymoma is a rare type of high-grade cancer in which the soft tissues or nervous tissues of the body mostly undergo abnormal proliferation and spread. Ectomesenchymoma is known as high-grade cancer as its growth and spread are faster than the low-grade cancers. The soft tissues of the body are mostly, those type of tissue that connects, support, and surrounds other tissues and organs of the body. These include fascia, skin, synovial membranes, muscles, nerves, tendons, ligament, and tissues of the blood vessels. Ectomesenchymoma mostly, formed in the neck, head, limbs, and abdomen. Ectomesenchymoma is also, known as malignant ectomesenchymoma(MEM). MEM is composed of neuroectodermal elements and one or more mesenchymal neoplastic elements. It is thought that MEM arises from remnants of migratory neural crest cells. Migratory neural crest cells are those cells that migrate from the ectoderm depending on the rostrocaudal( region between head and tail) level within the embryo, with the specific morphological pattern.
Disease Epidemiology
It mostly affects males (60%) compared to females (40%). However, this cancer is seen more in children who are under the age of 15 years.
Disease Etiology
Studies showed that this cancer arises from the remanents of the neural crest cells. Genetic mutations in certain cells also come under disease etiology.
Sign and Symptoms
The symptoms of the Ectomesenchymoma (MEM) depend on the part or organ of the body around which it arises. For example, in Neck region pressure produced by a tumor on the cervical spine can cause the following symptoms
- Nervous weakness
- Neck pain
- Neck stiffness
- Numbness of hands/fingers
- Headache
- Vertigo (dizziness, giddiness)
If this cancer arises in sinuses than symptoms like sinusitis or nasal polyp like may arise
- Frequent sneezing
- loss ability to smell
- Foul breath
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Disturbed vision
Diagnosis And Treatment
Diagnosis of Ectomesenchymoma(MEM) can be made according to signs and symptoms after detailed history taking and through following diagnostic tests and procedures.
- Complete blood count (CBC) with peripheral blood smear
- CT scan
- MRI
- Bone Marrow Aspiration cytology
- Nerve conduction studies
Treatment options may be curative, or maybe symptomatic as in advance cases. Treatment options are:
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy
- Excisional surgery of the tumor
- Radical surgical ablation
What support can we give for Ectomesenchymoma?
Ectomesenchymoma is rare cancer, meaning it is not as well known as other forms of cancer. Without a Ribbon is an Australian organisation that provides support for individuals who suffer from rare cancers. We provide a designated platform for Warriors to obtain information specific to their Rare Cancer. We also provide annual opportunities for our Warriors to meet and learn from each other. If you suffer from rare cancer such as Ectomesenchymoma, we can help and support you through your journey thanks to the generous donations we receive. Click the link below to sign up and become a Warrior today!
You can help us with your donation:
Without a Ribbon is a charity that works hard to aid those who suffer from rare cancers. You can help our cause in a variety of ways:
Donations — Without a Ribbon is grateful when we receive every donation. Giving to Without a Ribbon helps us to provide ongoing support, organise the annual gathering and subsidise the costs of our Warriors attending these conferences.
Sponsorship — If you wish to sponsor our charity, please contact us using this form.
Volunteering — We are always looking for volunteers to help with different aspects of running our charity. So, if you are looking for volunteer work, please feel free to contact us.
