Rhabdomyosarcoma overview
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
A rhabdomyosarcoma is a type of cancer, specifically a sarcoma (cancer of connective tissues), in which the cancer cells are thought to arise from skeletal muscle progenitors. It can also be found attached to muscle tissue, wrapped around intestines, or anywhere, to include the neck area. It is most common in children ages one to five, and teens aged 15 to 19, although quite rare in the latter. It can be a cardiac manifestation of tuberous sclerosis.
Rhabdomyosarcoma is a relatively rare form of cancer. Its two most common forms are embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma and alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma. In the former, which is more common in younger children, the cancer cells resemble those of a typical 6-to-8-week embryo. In the latter, which is more common in older children and teenagers, they resemble those of a typical 10-to-12-week embryo.
Classification
Rhabdomyosarcoma may be classified according to the "International classification of rhabdomyosarcoma" into six subtypes Alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma, embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma, botryoid rhabdomyosarcoma, spindle cell rhabdomyosarcoma, and undifferentiated rhabdomyosarcoma.
Pathophysiology
Genes involved in the pathogenesis of rhabdomyosarcoma include t(2;13) and t(1;13) chromosomal translocations. The microscopic pathology of rhabdomyosarcoma depends on the histological subtype.
Causes
There are no established causes for rhabdomyosarcoma.