Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is a rare type of cancer that forms in soft tissue — specifically skeletal muscle tissue or sometimes hollow organs such as the bladder or uterus. RMS can occur at any age, but it most often affects children.

Although RMS can arise anywhere in the body, it's more likely to start in the:

• Head and neck area
• Urinary system, such as the bladder
• Reproductive system, such as the vagina, uterus and testes
• Arms and legs

The outlook (prognosis) and treatment decisions depend on the type of rhabdomyosarcoma, where it starts, tumor size and whether the cancer has spread. Treatment is usually with a combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

Major advancements in the treatment of rhabdomyosarcoma have significantly improved outcomes. After completion of treatment, people need lifelong monitoring for potential late effects of intense chemotherapy and radiation.

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of rhabdomyosarcoma depend on where the cancer is located. For example, if the cancer is in the head or neck area, signs and symptoms may include, among others:

• Headache
• Bulging or swelling of the eyes
• Bleeding in the nose, throat or ears
• If the cancer is in the urinary or reproductive system, signs and symptoms may include, among others:
• Trouble urinating and blood in the urine
• Difficulty with bowel movements
• A mass or bleeding in the vagina or rectum
• If the cancer is in the arms or legs, signs and symptoms may include, among others:
• Swelling or a lump in the arm or leg
• Pain in the affected area, though sometimes there is no pain

Diagnosis

Rhabdomyosarcoma diagnosis usually begins with a physical exam to better understand the symptoms you or your child may be experiencing. Based on those findings other tests and procedures may be recommended.

Imaging tests

Imaging tests may include:

• X-ray
• Computerized tomography (CT)
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Positron emission tomography (PET)
• Bone scan

Removing a sample of tissue for testing (biopsy)

A biopsy procedure is used to collect a sample of suspicious cells for laboratory testing. Tests can show whether the cells are cancerous and determine the type of cancer.

Types of biopsy procedures used to diagnose rhabdomyosarcoma include:

• Needle biopsy. The doctor inserts a thin needle through the skin and guides it into the tumor. The needle is used to remove small pieces of tissue from the tumor.
• Surgical biopsy. The doctor makes an incision through the skin and removes either the entire tumor (excisional biopsy) or a portion of the tumor (incisional biopsy).

Treatment

• Surgery
• Chemotherapy
• Radiation therapy

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