Rhabdomyosarcoma

Rhabdomyosarcoma is a malignant tumor arising from the striated muscle.

Etiology and epidemiology
Rhabdomyosarcoma is the most common malignant mesechymal tumor in children (but it is rare compared to other childhood malignancies).

Pathology
Histologically, there are 4 basic subunits:
 * embryonic - includes sarcoma bothyroides;
 * alveolar;
 * pleomorphic;
 * mixed.

Location

 * head and neck are most often affected - 35%;
 * torso and limbs - 35%;
 * genitourinary area - 30%.

Metastasis
Tumors have a marked tendency to develop local recurrences. They metastasize early, both hematogenously and lymphogenically. Any authority can be affected.

Diagnosis

 * Rtg,
 * CT,
 * MRI,
 * US,
 * scintigraphy skeleton.

Therapy
The combination of effective cytostatics has made it possible to dispense with radical, often mutilating surgical procedures.
 * chemotherapy - initial neoadjuvant treatment after biopsy;
 * surgery - after the tumor has shrunk, a definitive surgical procedure follows;
 * radiotherapy - the residue of the tumor and the affected lymph nodes must be treated with radiotherapy.

Prognosis
It depends on the stage of the disease. Overall survival is reported to be 70%.
 * Localized forms - healing is possible up to 100%.
 * Metastatic spread - 40%.

Related articles

 * Mesenchymal tumors
 * Rhabdomyoma