There is spread of the tumor to other parts of the body. Rhabdomyosarcoma is treated with a combination of chemotherapy, surgery and radiation therapy. The most successful treatment is to completely remove the tumor from the tissue. However, because the child is often not diagnosed until the cancer has spread, complete removal of tumor may not be possible. Radiation and chemotherapy are used after surgery.
Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to kill cancer cells.
Past experience has shown that surgery alone is inadequate in treating rhabdomyosarcoma. Chemotherapy not only destroys cancer cells but also affects the growth of normal cells and therefore has side effects which will be explained to you. The treatment is given in precisely measured amounts by doctors and technicians who are experts in this field. The above information is a brief overview of what you need to know initially about rhabdomyosarcoma in children. The nurses and doctors can answer your questions and help you find more information.