Guide To The Major Symptoms Of Rhabdomyosarcoma

Rhabdomyosarcoma is a form of cancerous growth that originates in the cells that make up the skeletal muscles. Smooth muscles are in charge of activities considered involuntary, where skeletal muscles are responsible for the voluntary activities in the body. Skeletal cells are distributed all around an individual's body, allowing rhabdomyosarcoma to form in just about any part. Rhabdomyosarcoma rarely develops in adults and more commonly occurs in children younger than five years old. 

The causes of rhabdomyosarcoma in most individuals are unclear, but genetic factors play a role in a small portion of patients. A rhabdomyosarcoma diagnosis is made with the help of urine tests, blood tests, x-rays, MRIs, CT scans, ultrasound, PET scan, bone scan, tumor biopsy, bone marrow biopsy, and lumbar puncture. Treatment for most cases of rhabdomyosarcoma includes surgical excision, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.

Swelling In The Affected Area

Individuals who develop rhabdomyosarcoma may experience swelling in the affected area. Rhabdomyosarcoma development is most prevalent in areas of the body that include the neck, parameningeal sites, eyelid, orbit, testicular region, urinary bladder, female genitourinary tract, prostate, chest wall, and retroperitoneum. When a patient's rhabdomyosarcoma originates in their chest, arm, groin, neck, or back, the first symptom that becomes apparent may be localized swelling around the tumor. This swelling may not cause the patient any pain, or it may be very painful and cause redness depending on where it is located. 

If an individual develops rhabdomyosarcoma around their eye, the swelling produced by the tumor may cause their eye to bulge in an outward direction. Swelling around the eye can also result in the appearance of being cross-eyed and or adverse effects on vision. Many patients do not seek medical care based on this symptom because it can be caused by several different conditions or an injury.