Rhabdomyosarcoma

What is rhabdomyosarcoma?

Rhabdomyosarcoma starts in muscle cells. It is the most common type of soft tissue sarcoma that occurs in children. Learn about symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and risks in our guide to rhabdomyosarcoma.

Risks for rhabdomyosarcoma

Risks for rhabdomyosarcoma include Li-Fraumeni syndrome and other genetic conditions that are linked to cancer.

Symptoms of rhabdomyosarcoma

The symptoms of rhabdomyosarcoma may vary depending on the location of the tumour. Learn about symptoms of rhabdomyosarcoma.

Diagnosis of rhabdomyosarcoma

Tests to diagnose rhabdomyosarcoma, such as x-ray and CT scan, are done when symptoms are present. Learn about diagnosing rhabdomyosarcoma.

Stages of rhabdomyosarcoma

Staging describes the extent of cancer in the body. Learn about staging, clinical groups and risk groups used to plan treatment for rhabdomyosarcoma.

If rhabdomyosarcoma spreads

Cancer can spread from the muscle to other parts of the body. This is called metastasis. Learn where rhabdomyosarcoma can spread.

Prognosis and survival for rhabdomyosarcoma

Prognosis of rhabdomyosarcoma depends on factors such as age and where the tumour started. Learn about prognosis and survival of rhabdomyosarcoma.

Treatments for rhabdomyosarcoma

Rhabdomyosarcoma is often treated with chemotherapy and surgery or radiation, or both. Learn about treatment plans and options for rhabdomyosarcoma.

Supportive care

Supportive care is an important part of cancer care. It helps children and their families meet the physical, emotional and spiritual challenges of cancer. It helps improve the quality of life of children living with cancer. It can help children to cope with cancer, its treatment and possible side effects.

Childhood soft tissue sarcoma statistics

Rhabdomyosarcoma is the most common type of soft tissue cancer in Canadian children. Learn about statistics for childhood soft tissue sarcoma.

Medical disclaimer

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