Disease Information

Solid Tumor: Rhabdomyosarcoma

Alternate Names: None

Definition

Rhabdomyosarcoma is an aggressive soft tissue tumor that can arise virtually anywhere in the body.

Incidence

• Soft tissue sarcomas account for about seven to eight percent of childhood cancer cases.
• Rhabdomyosarcoma is the most common soft tissue tumor in children.
• The disease can occur throughout childhood and has been reported at birth.

Influencing Factors

• Rhabdomyosarcoma occurs slightly more frequently in males than females.
• Whites appear to be affected slightly more often than blacks.
• About two-thirds of cases are diagnosed in children under six years of age.

Survival Rates

• More than 70 percent of children with localized rhabdomyosarcoma enjoy long-term survival.
• Survival rates depend on initial tumor size, location, appearance under the microscope, how much of the tumor can be removed with surgery, and whether the disease has spread to other parts of the body.

Treatment Strategies

• After a biopsy or removal of the tumor, all patients receive chemotherapy.
• Additional surgery and/or radiation therapy may be used in some cases.

Current Research

Efforts continue to identify more effective drug combinations and therapies for rhabdomyosarcoma, as well as ways to reduce the amount of radiation required for children.

 

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