Childhood rhabdomyosarcoma is a medical condition characterized by the presence of malignant (cancerous) cells forming in muscle tissues. This type of sarcoma typically originates in muscles attached to bones, essential for body movement. There are three primary types: embryonal, alveolar, and anaplastic. Embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma is the most prevalent, whereas anaplastic rhabdomyosarcoma is less common.
One potential indicator of childhood rhabdomyosarcoma is the presence of a continuously enlarging lump or swelling. Other symptoms may include protrusion of the eye, headaches, difficulty with urination or bowel movements, blood in the urine, as well as bleeding from the nose, throat, vagina, or rectum.
Outlook for Childhood Rhabdomyosarcoma
- The origin of the tumor in the body.
- The initial size of the tumor upon diagnosis.
- The completeness of surgical removal of the tumor.
- Whether the tumor has metastasized to nearby lymph nodes or distant organs.
- The specific subtype of rhabdomyosarcoma.
- Patient’s age and overall health condition.
- Whether the tumor is newly diagnosed or has recurred.
In cases of cancer recurrence, prognosis is influenced by the site of recurrence, the timing of recurrence, and the duration between the end of initial cancer treatment and recurrence.