Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is a type of cancer that starts in soft tissue and mainly affects children and adolescents under 18.
It can develop in almost any part of the body, especially in areas where skeletal muscle is present. It may also arise in organs such as the bladder, prostate, or vagina.
Rhabdomyosarcoma usually begins before birth, during fetal development, when cells that would normally form skeletal muscle become cancerous and begin to grow uncontrollably.
When it is diagnosed early and treated promptly, rhabdomyosarcoma can often be cured. Outcomes are generally better when treatment starts as soon as possible.
Main symptoms
The main symptoms of rhabdomyosarcoma are:
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A lump that can be seen or felt in the arms, legs, head, trunk, or groin
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Tingling, numbness, and pain in the arms or legs
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Bleeding from the nose, throat, vagina, or rectum
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Vomiting, abdominal pain, or constipation, in the case of tumors in the abdomen
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Yellowing of the eyes and skin, in the case of tumors in the bile ducts
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Bone pain, cough, weakness, and weight loss, when rhabdomyosarcoma is more advanced
Rhabdomyosarcoma symptoms can vary depending on the size and location of the tumor. It is important to see a doctor to confirm the diagnosis and start the most appropriate treatment.
Confirming a diagnosis
Rhabdomyosarcoma may be suspected based on symptoms, a physical exam, and imaging tests, such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRI scans. A biopsy is usually needed to confirm the diagnosis and identify the type and characteristics of the tumor.
The prognosis of rhabdomyosarcoma varies from person to person. In general, earlier diagnosis and treatment are associated with better outcomes and may help reduce the risk of the cancer coming back.
Main types
The main types of rhabdomyosarcoma are:
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Embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma, which is the most common type. It occurs more often in babies and children and usually develops in the head, neck, bladder, vagina, prostate, and testicles.
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Alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma, which occurs more often in older children and teens and mainly affects the muscles of the chest, arms, and legs. This cancer gets its name because the tumor cells form small hollow spaces in the muscles, called alveoli.
In addition, when rhabdomyosarcoma develops in the testicles, it is known as paratesticular rhabdomyosarcoma. It is more common in people up to 20 years old and usually causes testicle pain and swelling.
Treatment options
Treatment for rhabdomyosarcoma should be started as soon as possible. According to the American Cancer Society, children and teens with rhabdomyosarcoma are best treated at a children’s cancer center by a team experienced in treating this type of cancer.
Surgery to remove the tumor may be recommended, especially when the cancer has not spread and the tumor can be removed safely.
In addition, chemotherapy and radiation therapy may be used before or after surgery to try to shrink the tumor and destroy cancer cells that may remain in the body.
According to the National Cancer Institute, childhood cancer treatment can cause late effects that affect growth, development, organ function, fertility, or learning.