Symptoms of Rhabdomyosarcomas Cancer

While many symptoms of rhabdomyosarcomas cancer depend on the size and location of the tumor, some symptoms are still more common than others. Rhabdomyosarcoma cancer is a sarcoma, which is a cancer of the connective tissues, in which the cancer cells are thought to arise from skeletal muscle progenitors. A sarcoma is also found attached to muscle tissue, wrapped around intestines or in any anatomic location. Rhabdomyosarcoma cancer is quite rare and usually only appears in children between the ages of one and five, although it does occasionally occur in teens between the ages of 15 and 19.

Tingling, numbness and pain

Tingling, numbness and pain occur when a tumor compresses the nerves in that area. The tumor causing the pressure may or may not be seen. It is possible to not even know it is there. The pain can be constant or only occur with movement.

Protrusion of the eye or a drooping eyelid

Parameningeal tumors that occur near the eye orbit cause swelling around the eye. The swelling around the eye causes a drooping eyelid. Along with the drooping eyelid, it is possible that a child will experience ear pain, ear discharge, headaches, difficulty breathing and discharge from one nostril.

Bleeding from the nose, vagina, rectum, throat or blood in urine

Tumors in or near the vagina, rectum, throat or nose cause bleeding in these areas. Blood is also found in the urine. Bleeding accompanied by a mass next to the testicle in the scrotum or in the vagina, is a very strong indication that rhabdomyosarcoma cancer is present.

A recognizable tumor or mass

Tumors that are seen or felt are one of the most obvious symptoms of rhabdomyosarcoma cancer. The tumor can cause facial deformities when it occurs near the neck or face. A tumor occurring on the arms or legs is usually firm and grows rapidly. Tumors present in any of these areas may or may not be painful.

It is believed that some rhabdomyosarcoma tumors begin developing in the fetus and the causes are genetic. Research has also shown that there is no association between environmental exposure and rhabdomyosarcoma cancer. While rhabdomyosarcoma cancer is not preventable like some cancers, early detection and treatment is the key to survival.