Rhabdomyosarcoma
What is it?
Rhabdomyosarcoma is the most common soft tissue tumor that occurs during childhood. A sarcoma is a cancer of the bone, soft tissues, or connective tissue around the bone. Rhabdomyosarcoma arises from muscle
cells.
Who gets it?
Most rhabdomyosarcoma occur in infants, children, and teenagers. It is the fifth most common form of pediatric cancer. Rhabdomyosarcoma occurs most often between the ages of two and six. It affects boys slightly more often than girls, and is more common in whites than
blacks.
What causes it?
The cause of rhabdomyosarcoma is unknown, but researchers have identified a genetic factor in rare cases. The cells that cause rhabdomyosarcoma come from embryonic mesenchymal cells. This type of cancer usually develops in the striated muscle of the head and neck, the area around the genitals and urinary tract, the trunk of the body, or the
limbs.
What are the symptoms?
At first, symptoms of rhabdomyosarcoma involve a painless swelling or growth in the area of the tumor. As the tumor gets larger, it interferes with normal body function in that area. So, rhabdomyosarcoma in the genital-urinary area might cause problems with urination, constipation, vaginal discharge, or blood in the urine, called hematuria. Orbital rhabdomyosarcoma, around the eye, can cause displacement of the eyeball, called proptosis. Rhabdomyosarcoma in the area of the head and neck causes drainage from the nasal passages, sinuses, or ears, as well as palsy (tremor) of the
head.
How is it diagnosed?
Rhabdomyosarcoma is diagnosed through computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of the area where the tumor is suspected. To determine whether the cancer has spread, called metastasis, the doctor may also order a CT scan of the lungs, as well as a bone scan. A bone marrow biopsy, where a small sample of bone marrow is removed for examination, will rule out any cancer in the bone marrow. A spinal tap, also called a lumbar puncture, may also be ordered to rule out any tumor cells in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
What is the treatment?
Rhabdomyosarcoma is treated with surgery, followed by chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy. Chemotherapy involves doses of very strong medicine that are given to kill cancer cells. It may be given before surgery in an effort to first shrink very large tumors. Chemotherapy can make your child feel sick and weak, and lose his or her hair. These side effects are temporary and will go away once the chemotherapy treatments are finished. Your doctor can prescribe medicine to counteract these side effects if your child cannot tolerate them. Radiation therapy may also be recommended to kill the cancer cells.
Rhabdomyosarcoma in the arms or legs may require amputation, which is the surgical removal of the affected portion of the limb. If the cancer has spread to other areas of the body, your child will need surgery to remove those tumors as well. If your child has had surgery to save his or her limb, it will take some time and physical therapy to regain use of the affected limb. If he or she has had a limb amputated, a prosthetic (artificial) limb can be fitted. It may take anywhere from three to six months for your child to learn to use the prosthetic leg or arm. In addition to physical therapy, most adolescents will also need psychological therapy to help them cope with their condition during an already difficult time of life.
After treatment is complete, your child will continue to have follow-up diagnostic tests such as CT scans, bone scans, and x-rays to ensure the tumor is gone. Survival rate depends upon the tumor's location and whether the cancer has spread. Over 70% of children treated for rhabdomyosarcoma that is localized, meaning it is confined to one area, have an excellent long-term survival
rate.
Self-care tips
Because the cause of rhabdomyosarcoma is unknown, there is no known way to prevent this disease. If your child is diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma, get all the information you can about your child's condition. Your knowledge will give you the strength to ensure your child has the support he or she needs during treatment.
This information has been designed as a comprehensive and quick reference
guide written by our health care reviewers. The health information written
by our authors is intended to be a supplement to the care provided by your
physician. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for
professional medical advice.
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