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Oskar Lindblom Diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma |
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The Philadelphia Flyers revealed devastating news late on Friday afternoon about 23-year-old left winger Oskar Lindblom. The second-year NHL forward was diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma, a form of bone cancer.
In a statement released by Chuck Fletcher, the Flyers general manager and president of hockey operations said, "Philadelphia Flyers forward Oskar Lindblom has been diagnosed with Ewing’s sarcoma by leading specialists at the University of Pennsylvania. He will undergo further testing and evaluation next week and begin treatment immediately thereafter. He is not expected to return to play for the remainder of the season. The Flyers will do everything possible to support Oskar and assist him in securing the best care available. Out of respect for Oskar and his family, the team will have no further comment at this time and asks that Oskar be afforded a period of privacy so that he may focus his efforts on his treatment and a return to full health.”
The team subsequently confirmed that the cancerous tumor is located on Lindblom's upper body. His absence from the team's lineup on Wednesday in Colorado was categorized as an upper-body injury.
Lindblom is a few years older that the typical Ewing Sarcoma patient, but is within the generic under-30 age range that encompasses almost all cases. Depending on the exact location and stage of the cancer (i.e., whether it has spread), a treatment course will be determined.
The first stage of Ewing Sarcoma treatment, according to hopkinsmedicine.org, is almost always chemotherapy. The second stage, depending upon size, location and operability, is often surgery. Alternatively, radiation or proton therapy may be deemed the appropriate next step.
With early detection, survival rates for Ewing Sarcoma are generally estimated at around 70 percent. Returning to play hockey is not an appropriate discussion topic at this time. The sole focus needs to be on the young man's wellbeing.
Speaking personally, I was prepared for bad news on Lindblom today but not for this type of news. He is such a likable young man -- always smiling, very friendly and optimistic. All thoughts at this time are solely about his well-being. Discussions of how the Flyers will cope hockey-wise will be dealt with as a separate topic.
Philadelphia Flyers Blogger •NHL.com • 
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