A rare kind of cancer called rhabdomyosarcoma begins as a cell growth in soft tissue. Soft tissues bind and support the body’s organs and other parts. Muscle tissue is where rhabdomyosarcomas most frequently begin.
Rhabdomyosarcoma can originate in any part of the body, but it most frequently does so in the following areas:
- area of the head and neck.
- bladder and the urinary system.
- reproductive organs, including the testes, uterus, and vagina.
- legs and arms.
Treatment for rhabdomyosarcoma frequently entails radiation, chemotherapy, and surgery. The location of the cancer’s origin, its growth rate, and whether it spreads to other body parts all affect how it is treated.
Symptoms
Rhabdomyosarcoma symptoms and signs vary depending on the site of cancerous growth.
For instance, the following symptoms could be present if the cancer is in the head or neck area:
- ache.
- bleeding from the throat, ears, or nose.
- the eyes may tear, swell, or bulge.
The following symptoms could exist if the cancer is in the reproductive or urinary systems:
- a lump or haemorrhage in the rectum or vagina.
- urinary difficulties and blood in the pee.
- issues with the passage of stool.
When a cancer affects the arms or legs, possible symptoms include:
- if the cancer presses against nerves or other body parts, there may be discomfort in the afflicted area.
- a lump or swelling in the arm or leg.
Causes
The cause of rhabdomyosarcoma is unknown. It all begins with modifications to a soft tissue cell’s DNA. The instructions that tell a cell what to do are encoded in its DNA.
The DNA in healthy cells contains instructions on how to divide and grow at a specific rate. The cells are instructed to die at a predetermined time. Different instructions are given by altered DNA in cancerous cells. The alterations instruct the cancer cells to proliferate rapidly. When healthy cells would die, cancer cells can survive. There are too many cells as a result.
The cancer cells may aggregate into a mass known as a tumor. The tumor has the potential to spread and engulf healthy bodily tissue. Cancer cells have the ability to split off and travel to other areas of the body over time. Metastatic cancer is the term for cancer that spreads.
Treatment
Treatment for rhabdomyosarcoma typically consists of radiation therapy, surgery, and chemotherapy.
The location and size of the cancer will determine which treatments your healthcare team recommends. The course of treatment will also depend on whether the cancer has spread to other parts of the body and how quickly the cancer cells are expected to grow.
Operation
Getting rid of every cancer cell is the aim of surgery. However, if the rhabdomyosarcoma has spread to or around organs, that may not always be an option. Your healthcare team will employ additional treatments to eradicate any remaining cancer cells in the event that the surgeon is unable to safely remove all of the cancer. Radiation and chemotherapy may be part of this.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses potent medications to treat cancer. There are numerous chemotherapeutic medications available. Medications are frequently used in combination for treatment. The majority of chemotherapy drugs are administered intravenously. Some are available as pills.
Chemotherapy is frequently used following radiation therapy or surgery for rhabdomyosarcoma. It can aid in the destruction of any remaining cancer cells. Chemotherapy can also be administered prior to other therapies. Chemotherapy can aid in cancer shrinkage, which will facilitate radiation therapy or surgery.
Radiation treatment
Radiation therapy uses intense energy beams to treat cancer. Protons, X-rays, and other sources are possible sources of the energy. Lying on a table, you are surrounded by a machine during radiation therapy. The device targets specific areas of your body with radiation.
Following surgery, radiation therapy may be suggested for rhabdomyosarcoma. It can aid in the destruction of any remaining cancer cells. Surgery may also be substituted with radiation therapy. If the cancer is located in an area where surgery is not feasible due to nearby organs, radiation therapy may be the preferred treatment.
Clinical examinations
Studies of novel treatments are called clinical trials. The opportunity to test the newest therapies is offered by these studies. Possible negative effects may not be known. Find out from your medical practitioner if you could qualify for a clinical trial.
