Rhabdomyosarcoma is a fast-growing, order highly malignant soft-tissue sarcoma which arises in undifferentiated muscle cells. This type of cancer can occur in the head, ailment neck, and around the eyes; the extremities (shoulders, arms, and legs); in the pelvic region and genitourinary tract; and in the chest and lungs.
Rhabdomyosarcoma usually affects children between the ages of 2 to 6 and 15 to 19.
A noticeable lump or swelling is present in many cases of Rhabdomyosarcoma but there are other symptoms which depend on the location of the tumour.
* Lump or swelling, firm and painless to touch, in the extremities, the groin area, or the vaginal area
* Drooping eyelids, swelling of the eye, protruding eyeball, rapid vision changes
* Hoarseness, difficulty in swallowing
* Abdominal pain that persists for more than a week
Keep a close eye on your child for small lumps which do not disappear in a week or so, but instead keep growing larger. Especially watch the pelvic region and the arms and legs. Also watch for any changes in the eyes. Rhabdomyosarcoma is a rapidly growing tumor and the sooner treatment begins, the more favorable is the prognosis.
For further information about Rhabdomyosarcoma please visit Macmillan Cancer Support