Rhabdomyosarcoma in children

Our pediatric cancer team treats your child with the latest in rhabdomyosarcoma care. Our expert oncologists provide proven treatments that include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

Our doctors also search for new rhabdomyosarcoma treatments through research and clinical trials. We talk through all available options with your family as we develop your child’s individualized treatment plan.

Advocate Children’s approach to childhood cancer care

We work with you and your child to find the best treatment and greatest chance for a cure. We get to know your whole family, with each appointment taking place in a comforting environment.

We have cancer centers in Park Ridge and Oak Lawn, letting your family avoid long, tiring drives into the city. Our social workers carefully organize , bringing together the team you require and not keeping you longer than needed. On-call nurses are available 24/7 for questions and concerns.

About childhood rhabdomyosarcomas

This soft-tissue cancer may affect fat, muscle, nerves, tendons, joints, blood vessels or lymph vessels. Cells in the affected tissue start to grow abnormally and form a tumor.

There are many types of rhabdomyosarcoma. Doctors look at cancer cells under a microscope to determine what form a child has. Our doctors work closely with parents to explain the cancer type and how it affects treatment decisions.

Childhood rhabdomyosarcoma signs and symptoms

Your child’s pediatrician is the best person to talk to if you see symptoms that concern you. Many symptoms of rhabdomyosarcoma look like common illnesses and conditions. The difference is they don’t go away over time. Early symptoms of rhabdomyosarcoma include:

• Nosebleeds
• Earaches, lumps, bleeding or discharge in the ear
• Eyes that bulge, are watery or cross-eyed
• Blood in urine or from the vagina
• Lumps or unusual appearance in the vagina or testicles
• Belly pain, vomiting and constipation
• Lumps or swelling in arms and legs

Diagnosing childhood rhabdomyosarcoma

Our cancer center doctors use various types of tests to diagnose your child. They discuss these tests and side effects in detail with you. Some of the common diagnostic tests and imaging we use are:

• Imaging: X-rays and other scans create pictures of the inside of the body.
• Biopsy: A surgery takes a small part of the cancer so doctors can look at it more closely.
• Bone marrow biopsy: Special biopsies collect tissue from inside the bones.

Our doctors also use several specialized tests to check for rhabdomyosarcoma:

• Immunocytochemistry tests: Doctors take some of the cancer cells and stain them before looking at them under a microscope. The staining helps doctors see how certain cells are developing and gives a more accurate diagnosis.
• Sequencing tumors: These tests help doctors identify genetic changes that may take place in the tumor’s cells. The results can indicate what kind of rhabdomyosarcoma a child has.

Childhood rhabdomyosarcoma stages and groups

Using diagnostic tests, doctors place rhabdomyosarcoma tumors into stages and groups based on a number of criteria. These categories help them make treatment recommendations.

Our team may reassess staging and grouping several times during treatment. Our doctors review the results with you each time.

Childhood rhabdomyosarcoma treatments

Your child’s doctor works with a team of other experts to make treatment recommendations. The doctor then reviews each treatment and its possible side effects with you, so you can make decisions together. Rhabdomyosarcoma is usually treated with a combination of:

• Surgery
• Chemotherapy
• Radiation therapy

Support for your child and family

Our child life specialists are here to help during your child’s treatment. Read more about our support for your child and family, including:

• On-call nurses who can answer questions 24/7
• School assistance during and after treatment
• Free events and activities for your family

Childhood rhabdomyosarcoma survivorship and transition to adulthood

Rhabdomyosarcoma survivors likely feel ready to get back to their regular life. But it’s important to help them keep follow-up visits and complete monitoring tests as they move into adolescence and adulthood.

Our Pediatric Oncology Survivors in Transition (P.O.S.T.) program is here to help your child and family move from cancer into survivorship. We meet regularly and support your child and family by:

• Celebrating survivorship
• Keeping track of follow-up exams and testing
• Watching for long-term or late effects of cancer, chemotherapy and radiation therapy
• Coordinating with our Adolescent Center and adult doctors during your child’s teen years