RhabdomyosarcomaSymptoms, Doctors, Treatments, Advances & More
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 variant 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 medicines are active against rhabdomyosarcoma. Your child's provider will discuss these with you.
Duke Children's Health Center Hematology/Oncology Clinic
I care for children and adolescents with blood and cancer disorders. I have a special interest in connective tissue cancers, also known as sarcomas. I also enjoy reading, baking, and studying Mandarin Chinese. I am married and have two children. Dr. Linardic is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Rhabdomyosarcoma. She is also highly rated in 2 other conditions, according to our data. Her clinical expertise encompasses Rhabdomyosarcoma, Adult Soft Tissue Sarcoma, Costello Syndrome, and Legius Syndrome.
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. He is also highly rated in 6 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Rhabdomyosarcoma, Adult Soft Tissue Sarcoma, Pineoblastoma, and Neuroblastoma. Dr. Skapek is board certified in American Board Of Pediatrics, Pediatric Hematology-Oncology.
Andrea Ferrari practices practicing medicine in Milan, Italy. Ms. Ferrari is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Rhabdomyosarcoma. She is also highly rated in 21 other conditions, according to our data. Her clinical expertise encompasses Rhabdomyosarcoma, Adult Soft Tissue Sarcoma, Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumor, 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. A 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 child's provider if your child has symptoms of rhabdomyosarcoma.
Summary: NOTE: This is a research study and is not meant to be a substitute for clinical genetic testing. Families may never receive results from the study or may receive results many years from the time they enroll. If you are interested in clinical testing please consider seeing a local genetic counselor or other genetics professional. If you have already had clinical genetic testing and meet eligibility...
Summary: The phase 1 primary objective is to determine the pediatric recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D) of PEEL-224 as a single agent (phase 1A) and in combination with vincristine and temozolomide (phase 1B). The phase 2 primary objective is to estimate the objective response rate (ORR) in children with refractory, progressive and relapsed NBL and rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) treated with the RP2D of PEEL-224 in c...
Published Date: January 29, 2026
Published By: Warren Brenner, MD, Oncologist, Lynn Cancer Institute, Boca Raton, 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.
Allen-Rhoades WA, Arndt CAS. Soft tissue sarcomas. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, et al, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 22nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025:chap 549.
Folpe AL, Nielsen GP. Rhabdomyosarcoma. In: Folpe AL, Nielsen GP, eds. Enzinger and Weiss's Soft Tissue Tumors. 8th ed. St Louis, MO: Elsevier; 2027:chap 20.
National Cancer Institute website. Childhood rhabdomyosarcoma treatment (PDQ) health professional version. www.cancer.gov/types/soft-tissue-sarcoma/hp/rhabdomyosarcoma-treatment-pdq. Updated April 11, 2025. Accessed April 9, 2026.
National Comprehensive Cancer Network website. NCCN clinical practice guidelines in oncology (NCCN guidelines): Pediatric soft tissue sarcoma. Version 1.2026. www.nccn.org/professionals/physician_gls/pdf/ped_sts.pdf. Updated February 17, 2026. Accessed April 21, 2026.