What is this disease?

• Rhabdomyosarcoma is the most common of soft tissue sarcomas in children. These tumours develop from muscle or fibrous tissue and can grow in any part of the body.The most common areas of the body to be affected are around the head and neck, bladder, testes, womb, or vagina. Sometimes tumours are also found in a muscle or a limb, in the chest or in the abdominal wall. If the tumour is in the head or neck area, it can occasionally spread into the brain or the fluid around the spinal cord.

How it is diagnosed?

• The most common symptom is a lump or swelling. Other symptoms will depend on the part of the body that’s affected by the rhabdomyosarcoma. Different tests are usually needed to diagnose a rhabdomyosarcoma. Tests may be done to check the exact size of the tumour and to find out if it has spread to any other part of the body. These may include: a chest X-ray to check the lungs,an ultrasound,CT or MRI scans,blood tests and bone marrow. Biopsy may be needed to confirm the diagnosis.

How it is treated?

• Depending on the stage, chemotherapy is usually given to shrink the tumour before it is surgically removed, followed in some cases by radiotherapy to kill any remaining cancer cells.

When it should be operated?

• The decision to operate will depend upon clinical condition and stage of the tumor.

Are there other alternative methods of treatment?

• Chemotherapy, radiotherapy or surgery are all used in different combinations for treatment.

What all I need to know before my child surgery?

• Read “All you need to know before your child's surgery” information booklet in website.

How is the surgery done?

• Surgery involves removal of mass and varies according to site.

Remarks

• For more details of surgery, contact your surgeon

Related Photographs and videos

• Few photographs of steps done by me  is given here for learning purposes