Rhabdomyosarcoma

A healthcare provider will ask about your or your child’s symptoms. They’ll also ask about your family medical history to learn if anyone has an inherited disorder that increases the risk of rhabdomyosarcoma.

They’ll do a physical examination to look for symptoms like lumps or growths. Providers may do the following tests to diagnose rhabdomyosarcoma:

• Computed tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan.
• Positron emission tomography (PET) scan.
• Bone scan.
• Lumbar puncture.
• Bone marrow biopsy.
• Biopsy to obtain tissue samples.
• Immunohistochemistry.
• Cytology tests.

Does rhabdomyosarcoma show up in bloodwork?

No, it doesn’t. Your or your child’s oncologist may order blood tests after they diagnose rhabdomyosarcoma. For example, they may do a complete blood count (CBC) test to see if the condition has spread to your bone marrow. They may do blood tests to monitor rhabdomyosarcoma treatment.

Rhabdomyosarcoma risk groups

Oncologists who care for children with rhabdomyosarcoma classify the condition by risk group. They establish risk group classification based on three factors:

• Tumor stage: Medical pathologists use the TNM staging system to establish the rhabdomyosarcoma stage. T stands for tumor size and location, N stands for signs of cancerous cells in lymph node location and M stands for metastasis, or if a tumor spreads from where it started.
• Clinical group: This classification reflects the outcome of tissue biopsies or initial surgeries. For example, if a biopsy or surgery completely removes a tumor, the case receives Group I classification. Group classifications are 1 to 4.
• Gene changes: The presence of the fusion gene PAX/FOX01.

Risk group classifications are low risk, intermediate risk and high risk. Your child’s oncology team uses risk group classification to plan treatment, assess the chance the tumor will come back after treatment and establish a prognosis, or what you can expect to happen after treatment.

The risk group classification process relies on very specific health information. You may not understand all the factors that go into establishing the risk group classification process. Don’t hesitate to ask your child’s care team to explain all the information they use to place your child’s case in a specific risk group. They’ll be glad to explain the process and what it means for your child’s treatment and prognosis.