Overview

Rhabdomyosarcoma is an aggressive and highly malignant soft tissue sarcoma that is common in children and adolescents and can develop in almost any part of the body where mesenchymal tissue is present. It is most often detected in children and adolescents under 20 years of age. The disease occurs in 40% of all cases of soft tissue sarcoma worldwide. Although global epidemiological data are limited, each country has its studies that investigate the incidence and prevalence of soft tissue sarcoma.

The disease can be detected in almost any part of the body, including areas not filled with muscles. So, pathology can occur in various organs of the head and neck (including soft tissues of the eye orbits, nasopharynx, appendage sinuses of the nose, the area near the cervical spine), in the hands, legs, genitourinary system, in the abdominal cavity, etc. Metastases can be found in the lungs, bone marrow, bones, lymph nodes, brain.

Our clinic employs highly qualified specialists who have all the necessary knowledge and skills. Our department is equipped with modern equipment, which makes it possible to use unique methods of therapy. Our employees undergo special training annually at foreign research centers. We try to surround each patient with round-the-clock care and supervision.

Types of disease

Specialists identify the following types of pathology:

• Embryonic rhabdomyosarcoma is a tumor characteristic of young children. Most cases of the disease belong to this option.
• Alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma (about 25% of all pathology cases) is more common in older age, including adolescence.

Pleomorphic or anaplastic rhabdomyosarcoma is also isolated. This rare tumor variant is not characteristic of children (most patients are adults aged 30 to 50 years) and is usually localized to the limbs. Mixed variants and undifferentiated sarcomas are also known.

Treatment of pathology

The treatment strategy for rhabdomyosarcoma depends on the risk group (which is determined by many factors, including the stage of the disease, its specific variant, the age of the patient, the location of the tumor, etc.), but it almost always includes operative treatment and chemotherapy. Radiotherapy is often also provided.

If the tumor affects the arm or leg, amputation may be necessary in some cases to increase the chances of survival, since tumors of this localization are often aggressive and metastasize quickly.