Rhabdomyosarcoma

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Rhabdomyosarcoma

Definition

Rhabdomyosarcoma is a malignant (cancerous), soft tissue tumor found most often in children. The most common sites are the structures of the head and neck, the urogenital tract, and the arms or legs.

Alternative Names

Soft tissue sarcoma; Alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma; Embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma; Sarcoma botryoides

Causes

The cause of rhabdomyosarcoma is unknown. It is a rare tumor with only several hundred new cases per year throughout the United States. Some children with certain birth defects are at increased risk, and some families have a gene mutation that elevates risk. However, the vast majority of children with rhabdomyosarcoma do not have any known risk factors.

References

Skubitz KM, D'Adama DR. Sarcoma. Mayo Clin Proc.2007:82(11):1409-1432.

Maki RG. Pediatric sarcomas occurring in adults. J Surg Oncol. 2008:97(4):360-368.


Antibodies

Review Date: 3/21/2008
Reviewed By: Stephen Grund, MD, PhD, Chief of Hematology/Oncology and Director of the George Bray Cancer Center at New Britain General Hospital, New Britain, CT. Review provided byVeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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