Treatment:

The precise treatment depends on the site and type of rhabdomyosarcoma. Because of its rarity, this tumor is best treated at a center with experience treating many patients with rhabdomyosarcoma.

Either radiation or chemotherapy, or both, will be used before or after surgery. In general, surgery and radiation therapy are used to treat the primary site of the tumor. Chemotherapy is used to treat disease at all sites in the body.

Chemotherapy is an essential part of treatment to prevent further spread of the cancer. Many different chemotherapy drugs are active against rhabdomyosarcoma. Some of these drugs include:

• Dacarbazine
• Doxorubicin
• Epirubicin
• Gemcitabine
• Ifosfamide

Support Groups:

The stress of illness can often be helped by joining a support group where members share common experiences and problems. See cancer - support group.

Expectations (prognosis):

While aggressive treatment is usually necessary, most children with rhabdomyosarcoma will achieve long-term survival. Cure depends on the specific type of tumor, its location, and the amount that has spread.

Complications:

• Complications from chemotherapy
• Location in which surgery is not possible
• Metastasis

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if your child has symptoms of rhabdomyosarcoma.