In order for our site to display correctly you will need a newer version of your web browser.
The following browsers support numerous web standards including CSS,XHTML, and the DOM (a universal means of controlling the behavior of web pages):
- Netscape v7 or higher (all platforms), Mozilla FireFox (Windows), Camino (Mac OS X), Galeon (Linux GNOME Desktop) or other browser stemming from the Mozilla.org project.
- Opera v7 or higher (Windows, Linux)
- Apple's Safari (Mac OS X)
- Konqueror (Linux KDE Desktop)
- Microsoft Internet Explorer v6 or higher (Windows) or v5 or higher (Macintosh)
Please note that this is not intended be an exhaustive list of browsers that support web standards, nor a test of browser compliance, nor a side-by-side comparison of various manufacturers’ browsers.
Finding Cures. Saving Children.
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.
The St. Jude Web site is designed for educational purposes only and is not engaged in rendering medical advice or professional services. The information provided through this site should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or a disease. It is not a substitute for professional care. If you have or suspect you may have a health problem, you should consult your health care provider.
