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At this time, there are no widely recommended screening tests
for this cancer. (Screening is testing for cancer in people without any
symptoms.)
Some cases of rhabdomyosarcoma are found at an early stage.
More than 1 out of 3 of these cancers is diagnosed early enough so that
all visible tumor can be completely removed by a surgeon. Still, many
of these turn out to already have microscopic tumor spread (spread that
cannot be seen, felt, or detected by imaging tests) that is not removed
by surgery.
Fortunately, many rhabdomyosarcomas start in areas that are
very obvious and easily detected. For example, small tumors that start
in the muscles behind the eye often cause the eye to bulge out, while
tumors in the nasal cavity often cause nasal congestion, nosebleeds, or
a discharge of bloody mucus. When small lumps form near the surface of
the body, parents will often see them or feel them.
Tumors starting around the testicles in young boys cause
painless swelling that is often noticed early by a parent. Many
rhabdomyosarcomas start in the bladder or other parts of the
genitourinary tract and may cause trouble emptying the bladder or lead
to blood in the urine or in diapers. In girls with rhabdomyosarcoma of
the vagina, the tumor may present as bleeding or as a mucus-like
discharge from the vagina. There are many other causes of bleeding, of
course, and most of them are not very serious, but this sign should
never be ignored.
It may be harder to recognize tumors in the arms, legs, and
trunks of older children because they often mimic the pain and swelling
of sports or play injuries in active children. Have your child's doctor
evaluate pain or lumps and bumps that grow quickly or fail to go away
after a few weeks.
Families known to carry inherited conditions that raise the
risk of this cancer (listed in "What
are the risk factors for rhabdomyosarcoma?") or that have
several family members with cancer (particularly childhood cancers)
should talk with their doctors about the possible need for increased
monitoring for this disease. It is not common for this type of cancer
to run in families, but close attention to the early signs of cancer
can save lives and prevent worry and suffering.
Last Medical Review: 09/08/2009
Last Revised: 09/08/2009
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