Learn About Rhabdomyosarcoma
View Main Condition: Brain Tumor
Rhabdomyosarcoma is a cancerous (malignant) tumor of the muscles that are attached to the bones. This cancer mostly affects children.
Soft tissue cancer - rhabdomyosarcoma; Soft tissue sarcoma; Alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma; Embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma; Sarcoma botryoides
Rhabdomyosarcoma can occur in many places in the body. The most common sites are the head or neck, the urinary or reproductive system, and the arms or legs.
The cause of rhabdomyosarcoma is unknown. It is a rare tumor with only several hundred new cases per year in the United States.
Some children with certain birth defects are at an increased risk. Some families have a gene mutation that increases this risk. Most children with rhabdomyosarcoma do not have any known risk factors.
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 nervous system 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 trouble starting to urinate or having a bowel movement, or poor control of urine.
- Muscle tumors may lead to a painful lump, and can be mistaken for an injury.
Treatment depends on the site and type of rhabdomyosarcoma.
Either radiation or chemotherapy, or both, will be used before or after surgery. In general, surgery and radiation therapy are used to treat the primary site of the tumor. Chemotherapy is used to treat disease at all sites in the body.
Chemotherapy is an essential part of treatment to prevent spread and recurrence of the cancer. Many different chemotherapy drugs are active against rhabdomyosarcoma. Your provider will discuss these with you.
Corinne Linardic is a Hematologist Oncology specialist and a Pediatrics provider in Durham, North Carolina. Dr. Linardic is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Rhabdomyosarcoma. Her top areas of expertise are Rhabdomyosarcoma, Adult Soft Tissue Sarcoma, Costello Syndrome, and Legius Syndrome. Dr. Linardic is currently accepting new patients.
Duke Children's Health Center Hematology/Oncology Clinic
As a physician, I care for children who may have cancer or a type of blood disease. I work with them and their families from the initial evaluation to establish a diagnosis, all the way through developing and carrying out a treatment plan. As we work together, I prioritize listening to their concerns, understanding their values, and working as a team. I also value transparency and honesty as we share information along the pathway toward healing. I consider it a tremendous honor and privilege to work with children and their parents, and I strive to do everything I can to help. Dr. Skapek is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Rhabdomyosarcoma. His top areas of expertise are Rhabdomyosarcoma, Adult Soft Tissue Sarcoma, Pineoblastoma, and Pineocytoma.
Andrea Ferrari practices in Milan, Italy. Ms. Ferrari is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Rhabdomyosarcoma. Her top areas of expertise are Rhabdomyosarcoma, Adult Soft Tissue Sarcoma, Synovial Sarcoma, Thyroidectomy, and Pancreatectomy.
The stress of illness can be eased by joining a cancer support group. Sharing with others who have common experiences and problems can help you not feel alone.
With intensive treatment, most children with rhabdomyosarcoma are able to survive long-term. Cure depends on the specific type of tumor, its location, and how much it has spread.
Complications of this cancer or its treatment include:
- Complications from chemotherapy
- Location in which surgery is not possible
- Spread of the cancer (metastasis)
Contact your provider if your child has symptoms of rhabdomyosarcoma.
Summary: Researchers are looking for new ways to treat children with hepatoblastoma or rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) that has relapsed or is refractory: * Hepatoblastoma is a common liver cancer in babies and very young children * RMS is a cancer that starts in muscle cells, often in a child's head and neck, bladder, arms, or legs * Relapsed means the cancer came back after treatment * Refractory means the cancer...
Summary: This study compares carbon ion therapy, surgery, and proton therapy to determine if one has better disease control and fewer side effects. There are three types of radiation treatment used for pelvic bone sarcomas: surgery with or without photon/proton therapy, proton therapy alone, and carbon ion therapy alone. The purpose of this study is to compare quality of life among patients treated for pel...
Published Date: March 31, 2024
Published By: Todd Gersten, MD, Hematology/Oncology, Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute, Wellington, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
Dome JS, Rodriguez-Galindo C, Spunt SL, Santana VM. Pediatric solid tumors. In: Niederhuber JE, Armitage JO, Kastan MB, Doroshow JH, Tepper JE, eds. Abeloff's Clinical Oncology. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 92.
Goldblum JR, Folpe AL, Weiss SW. Rhabdomyosarcoma. In: Goldblum JR, Folpe AL, Weiss SW, eds. Enzinger and Weiss's Soft Tissue Tumors. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 19.
National Cancer Institute website. Childhood rhabdomyosarcoma treatment (PDQ) health professional version. www.cancer.gov/types/soft-tissue-sarcoma/hp/rhabdomyosarcoma-treatment-pdq. Updated June 17, 2024. Accessed July 1, 2024.