Rhabdomyosarcoma symptoms & treatment

Rhabdomyosarcoma is a fast-growing cancerous tumor that develops in the muscles attached to bones. The tumor starts from rhabdomyoblasts – cells that make up the skeletal muscles. It’s usually found in the head and neck.

Symptoms of rhabdomyosarcoma

Symptoms of rhabdomyosarcoma may include:

• Blindness
• Blocked ears
• Bulging eyes
• Difficulty breathing
• Difficulty swallowing

Diagnosis of rhabdomyosarcoma

First, you’ll meet with your doctor for a physical exam. You’ll talk about your symptoms and your doctor may order imaging tests such as an MRI or a CT scan. He or she may then perform a biopsy on the tumor.

Treatment options for rhabdomyosarcoma

If you’re diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma, your Aurora team, including neurologists and neurosurgeons, will work with you to determine the best treatment options.

Rhabdomyosarcoma treatment includes a combination of surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy. In some cases, your doctor may perform surgery using the Expanded Endonasal Approach (EEA), a minimally invasive procedure in which the tumor is removed through the nasal passages, resulting in no incisions, a shorter hospital stay and faster recovery.