1. Suffering of Little Children
Rhabdomyoscarcoma is a type of soft tissue cancer found mostly in muscles connected to bone. Tumor locations are normally found in the head and neck, bladder or abdomen. Malignant tumors of this type are fast-growing. Rhabdomyosarcoma accounts for nearly 50 percent of soft tissue sarcomas in children under the age of 10. This cancer affects more boys than girls, with most incidences between the ages of one and five years of age.
2. Too Long a Name to Contain Just One Type
There are a few different types of rhabdomyosarcoma. The type depends on where the tumor is located. Those in the head and neck or genitals is referred to as embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma. Alveolar refers to soft tissue sarcoma of the abdomen, arms or legs. This type develops mostly in the teen years (between 15- and 19-years-old) and is most aggressive. The botryoid type is found in the vagina or bladder. Finally, the pleomorphic type of tumor is seen in adults and is found in the connective tissue of the arms and legs.
3. Symptoms Equal Location, Location, Location
Symptoms, as well as the type, depend on where the tumor is located. A tumor in the head and neck is most commonly found around the eyes and can result in a bulging eye as well as headaches. The tumor may also block the throat or nasal passages. In the abdomen area, symptoms can include pain in the area as well as difficulty in having bowel movements. Rhabdomyosarcoma of the bladder and genitals can lead to bleeding from the vagina or having blood in the urine as well as difficulty urinating.
4. Poked and Prodded
Once symptoms indicate in which area of the body the tumor is located, one of the first steps is to take a biopsy of the tissue to determine if the tumor is malignant or benign. Then non-invasive tests like ultrasound, x-rays, a CT scan or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) can determine the size of the tumor. Blood and urine tests will also be performed. A biopsy of the bone marrow is also possible to get an accurate reading of white cells.
5. Going Up Against a Sizable Opponent
Treatment for rhabdomyosarcoma varies dependent on tumor size, location and whether the cancer has spread into other parts of the body. Chemotherapy is used to shrink the tumor, if needed, before surgical removal. Radiation therapy would be used if all of the tumor could not be removed. A combination of radiation therapy and chemotherapy is prescribed for inoperable tumors. The prognosis depends on the age and overall health of the child, as well as the stage of cancer. Half of children with rhabdomyoscarcoma live beyond five years.
