The first line of treatment for rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) typically involves surgery to remove the tumor if possible.
Rhabdomyosarcoma Treatment Overview
Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is a rare type of cancer that forms in soft tissue. Treatment approaches vary depending on the tumor's location, size, and whether it has spread. Here's a breakdown of the initial treatment strategy:
Surgery
The primary goal is surgical removal of the tumor, provided it can be done without causing significant damage or disfigurement.
- When Surgery is Feasible: If the tumor is accessible and can be removed without compromising the patient's quality of life, surgery is usually the first step.
Chemotherapy and/or Radiation Therapy
If surgery isn't immediately feasible, chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy may be used.
- When Surgery is Not Initially Possible: If the tumor is in a location that makes immediate surgical removal difficult or dangerous, chemotherapy and/or radiation are employed to shrink the tumor. After the tumor has shrunk, surgery may become an option.
Sequence of Treatment
The usual sequence of treatment based on reference information is:
- Surgery (if feasible without major damage or disfigurement)
- Chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy (if surgery isn't initially possible, used to shrink the tumor for later surgical removal if possible)
