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Rhabdomyosarcoma

By Philip E. Gleason, MD

Rhabdomyosarcomas are soft tissue tumors. In this section topic we will provide introductory information regarding Pediatric Urologic Rhabdomyosarcomas.

Rhabdomyosarcomas are one of the most common soft tissue sarcomas in children. Urologic Rhabdomyosarcomas can develop in the bladder, prostate or vagina and around the testicles.

Rhabdomyosarcomas of the bladder and prostate may produce obstruction of the bladder and urinary retention or blood in the urine, hematuria. They may also present as a mass of the perineum or testis and cord tissues.

Like all Pediatric Urologic tumors, there diagnosis and treatment depends on a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and complete staging of the tumor to determine its spread. Surgery, multi-agent chemotherapy and possibly radiation therapy are all used to maximize treatment and try to minimize morbidity.