Understanding Rhabdomyosarcoma
This information is displayed with permission of the University of Minnesota Cancer Center. For more information about this disease or to review active clinical trials, please visit the website of the Cancer Center.
About Rhabdomyosarcoma
This is the most common soft tissue malignant tumor in children. It can arise in any muscle in the body, but is most common in the head and neck area as well as the area of the pelvis.
Diagnosis
The usual presenting symptom of the sarcoma is a painless mass. When pain appears, the tumor generally develops to its advanced stage. X-rays, CT or MRI scans are helpful to diagnose them. X-rays are especially useful for tumors of the arms and legs. CT scans (similar to x-rays) are used to look at the tumor but are also done on the chest to determine if the cancer has spread to the lungs. The lungs are the most common site for these tumors to spread. MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans use magnetic waves to take more detailed pictures of tumors and may be critical to the planning of surgery and/or radiation therapy. For an accurate diagnosis and to determine the type of sarcoma, a tissue biopsy is required and must be done before treatment starts.
Treatment
Most treatment protocols call for intense intravenous chemotherapy for about 12 weeks to shrink the tumor. Then a decision is made regarding "local control" of the tumor. Can the tumor be surgically removed, or will it need to be treated with radiation, or will it require both? Typically, another 24 weeks of chemotherapy follows the surgery and/or radiation.
