Although remission is often lasting, rhabdomyosarcoma can reoccur. This is referred to as recurrence. Recurrence might occur in the same or a different portion of the body. It can be detected by using imaging tests such as X-rays and CT scans. Long-term survival rates are related to the type of rhabdomyosarcoma that is diagnosed. Patients with alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma have higher rates of long-term survival than those with embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma. The five-year survival rate for patients with alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma is about 80%. For patients with embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma, the five-year survival rate is about 50%. The overall five-year survival rate for people with rhabdomyosarcoma is about 70%. People who have survived cancer sometimes get sick with another type of tumor. Recurrence rates vary depending on how early rhabdomyosarcoma is found and treated. People who receive complete removal of their tumor by surgery and follow-up treatment with chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy have lower rates of recurrence than people who only have partial removal of their tumor or no removal at all.