As a type of cancer, rhabdomyosarcoma occurs in the soft tissues, especially in the muscles that attach to the bones. Rhabdomyosarcoma is the most common soft tissue sarcoma in children, but it can also occur in adults. In this article, we examine rhabdomyosarcoma's causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
In general, rhabdomyosarcoma results from genetic mutations that occur during fetal development, but the exact cause is unknown. There are several factors that may increase the risk of developing rhabdomyosarcoma, including genetic predisposition, exposure to certain environmental toxins, and underlying genetic syndromes like Li-Fraumeni syndrome and neurofibromatosis type 1.
Rhabdomyosarcoma symptoms vary depending on the location and size of the tumor. Common symptoms include:
It may be painful or tender to touch if there is a noticeable lump or swelling.
Affected area may experience pain or discomfort, which may worsen over time.
Affected body part has a limited range of motion or is difficult to move.
If the tumor is located in the chest or throat, there may be symptoms related to compression of nearby structures, such as difficulty breathing or swallowing.
In more advanced cases, there may be unexplained weight loss, fatigue, or fever.
A combination of medical history, physical examination, imaging tests, and biopsy is needed to diagnose rhabdomyosarcoma. Diagnostic procedures may include:
A healthcare provider will ask about symptoms and medical history and perform a physical examination to check for signs of a tumor.
Tests such as ultrasound, X-ray, CT scan, MRI, or PET scan can visualize the tumor, determine its size and location, and determine whether it has spread to nearby structures or distant organs.
Typically, a biopsy is performed to obtain a tissue sample from the tumor for laboratory analysis. This helps confirm the diagnosis and determine the subtype of rhabdomyosarcoma.
A variety of treatment options are available for patients with rhabdomyosarcoma, depending on factors such as the tumor's size, location, and extent of spread, as well as their overall health and preferences.
Localized rhabdomyosarcoma is usually treated surgically. Radiation therapy or chemotherapy may be used to reduce the risk of recurrence after surgery.
In cases where the tumor cannot be removed completely with surgery or if the size of the tumor must be reduced before surgery, radiation therapy may be used to target and destroy cancer cells.
It is possible to administer chemotherapy before or after surgery in order to shrink the tumor, destroy cancer cells, and prevent the spread of the disease.
The use of targeted therapies can be combined with other treatments to specifically target cancer cells while minimizing damage to healthy tissues.
In the meantime, early detection and prompt treatment can help improve outcomes and reduce the risk of complications associated with rhabdomyosarcoma, since its exact cause is unclear. For early detection and timely intervention, it is essential to keep an eye out for any unexplained symptoms or abnormalities and seek medical attention.
