Rhabdomyosarcoma (patient information)
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Rhabdomyosarcoma |
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Rhabdomyosarcoma On the Web |
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Raviteja Guddeti, M.B.B.S. [2]
Overview
Rhabdomyosarcoma is a cancerous (malignant) tumor of the muscles that are attached to the bones.
It can occur in many places in the body. The most common sites are the structures of the head and neck, the urogenital tract, and the arms or legs.
Rhabdomyosarcoma is the most common soft tissue tumor in children.
What are the symptoms of Rhabdomyosarcoma?
The most common symptom is a mass that may or may not be painful.
Other symptoms vary depending on location of the tumor.
- Tumors in the nose or throat may cause bleeding, congestion, swallowing problems, or neurological problems if they extend into the brain.
- Tumors around the eyes may cause bulging of the eye, problems with vision, swelling around the eye, or pain.
- Tumors in the ears, may cause pain, hearing loss, or swelling.
- Bladder and vaginal tumors may cause lead to trouble starting to urinate or having a bowel movement, or poor control of urine.
- Muscle tumors may lead to a painful lump and are often thought to be an injury.
What are the causes of Rhabdomyosarcoma
The cause of rhabdomyosarcoma is unknown. It is a rare tumor with only several hundred new cases per year throughout the United States.
Who are at high risk
Some children with certain birth defects are at an increased risk, and some families have a gene mutation that elevates risk. However, the great majority of children with rhabdomyosarcoma do not have any known risk factors.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of rhabdomyosarcoma is often delayed because of lack of symptoms, and because the tumor may appear at the same time as a recent injury. Early diagnosis is important because rhabdomyosarcoma spreads quickly.
A complete physical exam should be done. Tests may include:
- Biopsy of the tumor
- Chest x-ray
- CT scan of the chest to look for spread of the tumor
- CT scan of the tumor site
- Bone marrow biopsy (may show the cancer has spread)
- Bone scan to look for spread of the tumor
- MRI scan of the tumor site
- Spinal tap (lumbar puncture)