Overview By Mayo Clinic Staff Print Rhabdomyosarcoma is a rare type of cancer that starts as a growth of cells in soft tissue. Soft tissues support and connect organs and other parts of the body. Rhabdomyosarcoma most often starts in muscle tissue. Although rhabdomyosarcoma can start anywhere in the body, it's more likely to start in the: Head and neck area. Urinary system, such as the bladder. Reproductive system, such as the vagina, uterus and testes. Arms and legs. Rhabdomyosarcoma treatment often involves surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Treatment depends on where the cancer starts, how large it grows and whether it spreads to other parts of the body. Research into diagnosis and treatment have greatly improved the outlook for people diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma. More and more people are living for years after a rhabdomyosarcoma diagnosis. Request an appointment Diagnosis & treatment Dec. 20, 2023 Print Share on: FacebookTwitter Living with rhabdomyosarcoma? Connect with others like you for support and answers to your questions in the Sarcoma support group on Mayo Clinic Connect, a patient community. Sarcoma Discussions Uterine leiomyosarcoma with lung metastasis: Treatment options? 16 Replies Wed, Jan 22, 2025 chevron-right Leiomyosarcoma: What can I expect now? 73 Replies Thu, Jan 23, 2025 chevron-right GNET Sarcoma-Gastrointestinal Neuroectodermal Tumors 18 Replies Mon, Jan 20, 2025 chevron-right See more discussions Show references Goldblum JR, et al. Rhabdomyosarcoma. In: Enzinger and Weiss's Soft Tissue Tumors. 7th ed. Elsevier; 2020. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed July 31, 2023. Rhabdomyosarcoma. Cancer.Net. https://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/rhabdomyosarcoma-childhood. Accessed Aug. 2, 2023. Soft tissue sarcoma. National Comprehensive Cancer Network. https://www.nccn.org/guidelines/guidelines-detail?category=1&id=1464. Accessed July 31, 2023. Niederhuber JE, et al., eds. Pediatric solid tumors. In: Abeloff's Clinical Oncology. 6th ed. Elsevier; 2020. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed July 31, 2023. Childhood rhabdomyosarcoma treatment (PDQ). National Cancer Institute. https://www.cancer.gov/types/soft-tissue-sarcoma/hp/rhabdomyosarcoma-treatment-pdq. Accessed Aug. 2, 2023. Ami TR. Allscripts EPSi. Mayo Clinic. April 5, 2023. NCCN member institutions. National Comprehensive Cancer Network. https://www.nccn.org/members/network.aspx. Accessed Aug. 2, 2023. Locations. Children's Oncology Group. https://www.childrensoncologygroup.org/index.php/locations. Accessed Aug. 2, 2023. Related News from Mayo Clinic Cancer is tough. Evelyn Owens is tougher Feb. 26, 2024, 05:15 p.m. CDT Products & Services A Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book Newsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter — Digital Edition Show more products and services from Mayo Clinic RhabdomyosarcomaSymptoms&causesDiagnosis&treatmentDoctors&departmentsCare atMayoClinic Advertisement Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Advertising & Sponsorship Policy Opportunities Ad Choices Mayo Clinic Press Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. NEW: Listen to Health Matters Podcast - Mayo Clinic PressNEW: Listen to Health Matters PodcastMayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic on IncontinenceThe Essential Diabetes Book - Mayo Clinic PressThe Essential Diabetes BookMayo Clinic on Hearing and Balance - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic on Hearing and BalanceFREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic PressFREE Mayo Clinic Diet AssessmentMayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book CON-20248513 Patient Care & Health Information Diseases & Conditions Rhabdomyosarcoma