Rhabdomyosarcoma is a type of cancer that originates in the soft tissues of the body, specifically the skeletal muscle cells or cells that have the capacity to develop into skeletal muscle cells. It is a relatively rare form of cancer, mainly affecting children and young adults under the age of 20, although it can occasionally occur in older individuals.
The word "rhabdomyosarcoma" is a combination of three terms. "Rhabdo" is derived from the Greek word "rhabdomyo," which means striated muscle; "myo" comes from the Greek term "mus," representing muscle; and "sarcoma" indicates a malignant tumor of connective or supportive tissues. Hence, rhabdomyosarcoma is a malignant tumor that arises from abnormal or cancerous growth in the cells responsible for forming skeletal muscle.
This cancer commonly manifests as a rapidly growing mass or tumor in various parts of the body, including the head, neck, abdomen, urinary and reproductive organs, and limbs. Symptoms may include swelling, pain, difficulty in moving the affected region, and possibly, potential organ dysfunction based on the tumor's location.
Diagnosing rhabdomyosarcoma entails conducting medical imaging tests, such as X-rays, MRI, CT scans, and ultrasound, combined with a biopsy to analyze the tumor's characteristics at a cellular level. Treatment options for rhabdomyosarcoma typically involve a multidisciplinary approach, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, which are tailored to the specific needs and extent of the disease for each patient. Prognosis varies depending on several factors, such as the cancer's type, stage, location, and an individual's response to treatment, with long-term survival rates ranging from favorable to
