Types of tumors:
Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS)
Cancer that usually starts in muscle tissue. It occurs anywhere
in the body, but mostly commonly develops in the head, neck,
abdomen and genital area. RMS belongs to to a braod category of
tumors called soft tissue sarcomas.
Incidence
The most common type of soft tissue cancer. 60-70% of patients
are less than 10 years old, but second most common age is early to
mid adolescence.
Treatment
Treatment mainly involves chemotherapy and radiotherapy. If RMS
spreads beyond the primary site or reoccurs a high dose of
chemotherapy or a BMT may be administered.
Follow up
Overall survival rate at five years is about 65%. If RMS is
located in the eye or genitourinary tract (except bladder and
prostate) than the rate is 80%. Reoccurrences after 5 years are
rare.
Germ cell tumors
Germ cells tumors develop in the reproductive sex organs:
testicles for boys and ovaries for girls. They travel to other
parts of the body including the chest, abdomen, tailbone and brain.
The most common germ cells tumors are testicular, sacral, chest and
ovarian.
Incidence
Most commonly occurs in adolescents and young adults. Accounts
for 15% of adolescent cancers.
Treatment
Primary treatment options are surgery and chemotherapy.
Follow up
Since combination therapy has improved 80% of patients survive.
Long term follow up is necessary as relapses or reoccurrences can
take place as long as 10 years from diagnosis.