Rhabdomyosarcoma

Overview

Patients with rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare soft-tissue cancer, have access to the latest diagnostic and treatment options at Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic physicians and researchers lead or coordinate national research studies in the treatment of this disease. The National Cancer Institute has designated the Mayo Clinic Cancer Center as a comprehensive cancer center in recognition of the depth and breadth of its capabilities. Mayo's integrated medical practice provides patients with access to the experienced medical and surgical specialists that they need. Specialists involved with care may include pediatric oncologists, medical oncologists, orthopedic oncologists (orthopedic surgeons who specialize in bone and soft tissue tumors), radiation oncologists, plastic surgeons, vascular surgeons, urologists, rehabilitation experts and others as needed.

Diagnosis

Physicians use imaging studies, blood tests and a physical exam to evaluate potential cases of rhabdomyosarcoma. A biopsy may be needed to correctly diagnose a patient's condition. Read more about diagnosis of rhabdomyosarcoma.

Treatment Options

Rhabdomyosarcoma treatment includes chemotherapy, radiation and surgery. Mayo Clinic patients also have access to clinical trials related to the disease. Read more about treatment for rhabdomyosarcoma.

• Treatment in Arizona
• Treatment in Florida
• Treatment in Minnesota
• Treatment of Children & Adolescents

About Rhabdomyosarcoma

Rhabdomyosarcoma is a cancer that grows in soft tissues of the body, usually muscle. This rare disease most often occurs in children or young adults. In the United States, doctors diagnose only about 350 people with rhabdomyosarcoma each year, most of them children or young adults. In young children, rhabdomyosarcoma tends to occur in the head and neck, bladder, vagina, prostate or testes. In older children and young adults, rhabdomyosarcoma most often appears in the muscles of the trunk, arms and legs. In adults, rhabdomyosarcoma usually occurs in the large muscles of the arms and legs. Due to research advances, the cure rate for this disease is now 70 to 75 percent, compared to 25 percent in 1972.