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SURGICAL ONCOLOGY
Rhabdomyosarcoma
We treat kids like they should be treated: like kids. That’s why we designed our hospital just for them.
What is pediatric rhabdomyosarcoma?
Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is the most common soft tissue sarcoma in children. Sarcoma is a type of cancer that begins in the bones or soft tissues. Also known as RMS cancer, RMS is the third most common pediatric solid tumor that occurs outside the skull with only neuroblastoma and Wilms tumor being more common.
What causes rhabdomyosarcoma in children?
Rhabdomyosarcoma begins when a cell develops changes in its deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). A cell's DNA contains instructions on how that cell forms and functions. Changes in DNA are known as mutations. These mutated cells result in a tumor when they grow and multiply too quickly. The mass of these mutated cells grow and spread, or metastasize, to other tissues in the body. It is not known why these cells develop changes in the DNA and cause the cell to mutate and grow at a rapid rate.
Who gets rhabdomyosarcoma?
Rhabdomyosarcoma is rare, with about 450 children being diagnosed in the U.S. each year. RMS tends to occur primarily during two different age ranges. These age groups generally correspond to two different pathologic subtypes of RMS. Children ages 2 to 6 years old generally are affected by embryonal RMS. Although embryonal RMS can begin anywhere in the body, it is more likely to start in the head or neck area, in the urinary system, such as the bladder, in the reproductive system such as the vagina, uterus and testes, or in the arms and legs. Children ages 10 to 18 are generally affected by alveolar RMS.
What are the signs and symptoms of rhabdomyosarcoma?
The signs and symptoms of rhabdomyosarcoma depend on where the tumor is located. If the cancer is in the head or neck area, signs and symptoms may include:
- Headaches
- Swollen eyes
- Bleeding from the nose, throat or ears
If the cancer is in the urinary or reproductive system, signs and symptoms may include:
- Trouble urinating
- Blood in the urine
- Difficulty with bowel movements
- A mass found in the vagina or rectum
- Bleeding from the vagina or rectum
If the cancer is in the arms or legs, signs and symptoms may include:
- Swelling in the arm or leg
- A mass found in the arm or leg
- Pain from the affected areas
What tests are used to diagnose rhabdomyosarcoma?
If we suspect RMS, we typically begin with imaging tests to see if we detect a mass. We can perform the tests using various machines based on where we think the tumor is located. These tests can include ultrasound imaging, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computerized tomography (CT) scans.
If a mass is found, we perform a biopsy to understand if the mass is cancerous and to determine the best treatment. During a biopsy, we’ll take a small tissue sample and examine it under a microscope. Once we have the results, which will take a few days, we will share them with you and your child and discuss the best treatment plan.
How is rhabdomyosarcoma treated?
The most effective treatment for RMS usually consists of a combination of chemotherapy and surgical excision (removal of the mass through surgery). If we can remove the mass entirely through surgery, without affecting mobility or organ function, then this would be the preferred approach. We may suggest chemotherapy prior to surgery to make the tumor smaller, which makes it easier to remove without affecting neighboring tissues or organs. We may also suggest radiation therapy to help reduce the size of the tumor.
All of these options depend on the unique circumstance each patient has, including their health and the type of RMS, as the types react differently to different treatments. Your child’s treatment regimen and plan will depend on the specifics of their individual case.
Why choose us for treatment of rhabdomyosarcoma?
The Surgical Oncology Program at Children’s Hospital Colorado includes solid tumor oncologists, surgical oncologists, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, nurses, social workers, geneticists, and radiation oncologists who are all focused only on the care of children with cancer. All members of the surgical oncology team work together to care for children with RMS.
Helpful resources
- The Liddy Shriver Sarcoma Initiative is a global initiative that aims to improve lives by increasing sarcoma awareness and funding high-quality research. Their website provides information and various resources about treatment, research and clinical trials.
- The American Cancer Society is on a mission to free the world from cancer through funding and conducting research, sharing expert information, supporting patients and spreading the word about prevention. The website offers educational information and news on research.
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