Rhabdomyosarcoma

Alternative Names

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending on location of the tumor. Tumors in the nose or throat may cause bleeding, congestion, swallowing problems, or neurological problems if they extend into the brain.

Tumors in the vagina may be visibly protruding from the opening of the vagina. Bladder and vaginal tumors may cause urinary or bowel obstruction. Tumors in the muscles may appear as a painful lump and are often thought to be an injury. However, they do not go away, but continue to grow, even though they may not continue to be painful.

Diagnosis of rhabdomyosarcoma is often delayed because of lack of symptoms, and because the tumor may appear at the same time as a recent injury. Early diagnosis is important because rhabdomyosarcoma is an aggressive tumor that spreads quickly.

Exams and Tests

• Biopsy of the tumor
• CT scan of the chest to look for spread of the tumor
• CT scan of the tumor site
• Bone marrow biopsy (may show the cancer has spread)
• Bone scan to look for spread of the tumor
• MRI scan of the tumor site
• Possible spinal tap, to check for spread into the brain, depending on the site of the tumor
• Thorough physical exam

References

Skubitz KM, D'Adama DR. Sarcoma. Mayo Clin Proc.2007:82(11):1409-1432.

Maki RG. Pediatric sarcomas occurring in adults. J Surg Oncol. 2008:97(4):360-368.