rhabdomyosarcoma
Pronunciation: RAB-doh-my-oh-sar-KOH-mah
A soft tissue sarcoma arising from skeletal muscle cells, representing the most common soft tissue tumor in children.
Full Definition
Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is the most frequent soft tissue sarcoma in children and adolescents, accounting for approximately 3% of childhood cancers. The tumor arises from cells that normally develop into skeletal muscle and can occur anywhere in the body, though head/neck and genitourinary sites are most common. RMS has two main histologic subtypes: embryonal (more common, better prognosis) and alveolar (associated with specific translocations and worse outcomes). Staging follows the Intergroup Rhabdomyosarcoma Study (IRS) grouping system.
Usage
Usage note: Often abbreviated as RMS in clinical documentation.
In Context
- "The orbital mass was diagnosed as embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma, Group I." — Pathology consultation
- "Alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma requires more intensive multimodal therapy." — Treatment planning document