Rhabdomyosarcoma

It is the most common type of soft tissue sarcoma in children, but can also occur in adults, though less frequently. It primarily affects muscles in the head and neck, the genitourinary tract, and the arms and legs. There are several subtypes:

• Embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma: the most common subtype, primarily affecting children. It often occurs in the head and neck region, the urinary or reproductive organs, or the muscles surrounding the eye.
• Alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma: less common, tending to occur in older children and adolescents. It commonly affects the arms, legs, chest or abdomen and is often more aggressive than the embryonal form.
• Pleomorphic rhabdomyosarcoma: predominantly seen in adults but rare overall. It can occur in various locations and is characterised by pleomorphic cells that differ from the embryonal or alveolar subtypes.