Rhabdomyosarcoma Overview
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.
Orlando Health Medical Group Inc
Justin Rineer is a Radiation Oncologist in Orlando, Florida. Dr. Rineer has been practicing medicine for over 21 years and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Rhabdomyosarcoma. His top areas of expertise are Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC), Lung Cancer, Pleuropulmonary Blastoma, Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC), and Prostatectomy. Dr. Rineer is currently accepting new patients.
Orlando Health Medical Group Inc
Naren Ramakrishna is a Radiation Oncologist in Orlando, Florida. Dr. Ramakrishna and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Rhabdomyosarcoma. His top areas of expertise are Posterior Fossa Tumor, Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumor (PNET), Metastatic Brain Tumor, and Brain Tumor. Dr. Ramakrishna is currently accepting new patients.
Orlando Health Medical Group Inc
Omar Kayaleh is a Hematologist Oncology specialist and a Hematologist in Orlando, Florida. Dr. Kayaleh has been practicing medicine for over 40 years and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Rhabdomyosarcoma. His top areas of expertise are Pancreatic Cancer, Familial Colorectal Cancer, Colorectal Cancer, and Lynch Syndrome. Dr. Kayaleh is currently accepting new patients.
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: This is a phase I-II study to determine safety and efficacy of combining liposomal irinotecan with vincristine alternating with VAC in intermediate-risk patients, liposomal irinotecan with temozolomide and vincristine alternating with VAC in high-risk patients and the chemotherapy combinations when given with concomitant radiation therapy in intermediate and high risk patients. Primary Objective *...
Background: The drug PEN-866 can remain in tumor cells longer than it does in normal cells. It also may be more effective than other drugs at treating Ewing sarcoma and rhabdomyosarcoma. Researchers want to learn if combining PEN-866 with other drugs can treat certain cancers in adolescents and young adults.
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.