Rhabdomyosarcoma

Overview

Rhabdomyosarcoma is a rare cancer that begins in your muscles. Rhabdomyosarcoma most commonly forms in the head and neck, bladder, vagina, prostate, testes, arms, or legs.

Rhabdomyosarcoma is a type of soft tissue sarcoma.

Rhabdomyosarcoma can occur at any age, but it most often affects children and young adults. Treatment for rhabdomyosarcoma often involves surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

Read more about soft tissue sarcoma.

Why choose Mayo Clinic for rhabdomyosarcoma

• Teamwork. At Mayo Clinic, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, pediatric oncologists, surgeons, pathologists, radiologists and rehabilitation specialists work as a multidisciplinary team to treat rhabdomyosarcoma. Other professionals are included as needed.
• Experience. Rhabdomyosarcoma is a rare type of cancer. Mayo Clinic doctors have experience treating many cases of rhabdomyosarcoma.
• A full range of treatment options to consider. Mayo Clinic doctors will work with you to review all of your treatment options and choose the treatment that best suits your needs and goals. The range of treatments offered to people with rhabdomyosarcoma includes surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
• Comprehensive cancer center. Mayo Clinic Cancer Center meets strict standards for a National Cancer Institute comprehensive cancer center, which recognizes scientific excellence and a multidisciplinary approach to cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment.

Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., is ranked among the Best Hospitals for cancer by U.S. News & World Report. Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Fla., and Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Ariz., are ranked high performing for cancer by U.S. News & World Report.

Mayo Clinic: Answers you can trust

At Mayo Clinic, we assemble a team of specialists who take the time to listen and thoroughly understand your health issues and concerns. We tailor the care you receive to your personal health care needs. You can trust our specialists to collaborate and offer you the best possible outcomes, safety and service.

Mayo Clinic is a not-for-profit medical institution that reinvests all earnings into improving medical practice, research and education. We're constantly involved in innovation and medical research, finding solutions to improve your care and quality of life. Your doctor or someone on your medical team is likely involved in research related to your condition.

Our patients tell us that the quality of their interactions, our attention to detail and the efficiency of their visits mean health care — and trusted answers — like they've never experienced.

Why Choose Mayo Clinic
What Sets Mayo Clinic Apart