Rhabdomyosarcoma

A rhabdomyosarcoma, commonly referred to as RMS, is a type of cancer, specifically a sarcoma (cancer of connective tissues), in which the cancer cells are thought to arise from skeletal muscle progenitors. It can also be found attached to muscle tissue, wrapped around intestines, or in any anatomic location. It mostly occurs in areas naturally lacking in skeletal muscle, such as the head, neck, and genitourinary tract.

Presentation

Its two most common forms are embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma and alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma. In the former, which is more common in younger children, the cancer cells resemble those of a typical 6-to-8-week embryo. In the latter, which is more common in older children and teenagers, they resemble those of a typical 10-to-12-week embryo.

Epidemiology

Rhabdomyosarcoma is a relatively rare form of cancer. When RMS does occur, it is most commonly seen in children aged one to five years old. Less commonly, it can also present in teens aged 15 to 19, and can even develop in adulthood, though this is even more rare.