Metastatic Pattern of Spread of Rhabdomyosarcoma
Introduction:
Rhabdomyosarcoma is the most common soft tissue sarcoma of childhood. It exists in alveolar and non-alveolar subtypes. Prognosis is negatively impacted by bone or bone marrow involvement. Lung metastases have a better prognosis than metastases at other sites.
Prevalence: Rare Metastasis Frequency: Uncommon
References:
J Clin Oncol. 2008 May 10;26(14):2384-9. PMID: 18467730
Oncologist. 1999;4(1):34-44. PMID: 10337369
Primary Tumor:
| Characteristics | Comments | |
| Genitourinary | Botyroid | Genitourinary sites most common (bladder, vagina, prostate). The description botyroid is used for the subset that have a 'bunch of grapes' appearance. |
Known Metastatic Locations:
| Site | Frequency | Characteristics | Comments |
| Liver | Unspecified | Uncommon site of metastasis, frequency unspecified |
|
| Lung Parenchyma | Common | Nodule | Most common site of metastasis, with best prognosis |
| Bone Marrow | Common | ||
| Bone | Common | ||
| Distant Lymph Nodes | Common |