rhabdoid cancer

Rhabdoid cancer, also known as malignant rhabdoid tumor (MRT), is a rare and aggressive type of cancer that primarily affects young children and infants. The signs and symptoms of this cancer can vary depending on the location and age of the child.

Common Symptoms:

• A lump or mass in the abdomen, which can be felt through the skin
• Belly pain, most often on the right side
• Jaundice (yellow skin or eyes)
• Back pain
• Unexplained weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Aches, pains, lumps or swelling for no clear reason

Age-Specific Symptoms:

• In infants and young children:
  • Headaches in the morning
  • Headaches that are less painful after vomiting
  • Increase in head size (in infants birth to 1 year)
  • Lethargy (lack of energy)
• In older children:
  • Pain, tingling, numbness, or paralysis in the face

Other Possible Symptoms:

• Difficulty breathing or a lump on the child's belly
• Nerve paralysis
• Blood in the urine
• High blood pressure
• Lumps under the skin (often in the neck, under the arm, or in the groin)
• Bone pain
• Constant cough
• Weakness
• Weight loss

It is essential to note that these symptoms can also be caused by other conditions, and a proper diagnosis can only be made through medical examination and testing. If you suspect that your child may have rhabdoid cancer, it is crucial to consult with a pediatrician or a specialist as soon as possible.

References:

• [1] Symptoms usually begin near where a tumor is growing in your child’s body.
• [2] Signs and symptoms may develop quickly because the tumor spreads rapidly.
• [3] A 2018 article notes that although the outlook has improved for some individuals with rhabdoid tumors, the cancer remains aggressive.
• [4] Often the first sign that a child has a malignant rhabdoid tumor is the discovery of a lump or mass in the child's abdomen.
• [5] belly pain, most often on the right side; belly mass (something solid in the belly that can be felt through the skin); jaundice (yellow skin or eyes); back pain are common symptoms.
• [6] An atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor (AT/RT) is an aggressive type of cancer that targets your central nervous system. It most often affects children. ... What are the symptoms of AT/RT?
• [7] Pain presenting as fussiness in infants with blood in the urine, a large mass in the abdomen and high blood pressure are common.
• [8] If RMS becomes more advanced, it can cause symptoms such as lumps under the skin (often in the neck, under the arm, or in the groin), bone pain, constant cough, weakness, or weight loss.

Diagnostic Tests for Rhabdoid Cancer

Rhabdoid cancer, also known as malignant rhabdoid tumor (MRT), is a rare and aggressive type of cancer that primarily affects young children. To diagnose this condition, doctors use various diagnostic tests to determine the exact type of tumor and whether it has spread.

Imaging Studies

• MRI, CT, or PET scans: These imaging studies are used to visualize the location and size of the tumor in the body [7][9].
• Abdominal ultrasonography: This test is used to examine the abdominal area for any signs of tumors [10].

Biopsy and Tissue Sampling

• Biopsy: A biopsy involves taking a small sample from the tumor using a needle, which is then examined by a pathologist to confirm the diagnosis [10].
• Tissue sampling: In some cases, a piece of tumor tissue may be removed during surgery for further examination [4].

Blood and Genetic Tests

• Genetic testing: A blood or tumor tissue sample is sent to a genetic testing lab to look for changes in the SMARCB1 or SMARCA4 gene [8].
• CBC count: Approximately 55% of patients with MRT present with a hemoglobin level of less than 9 g/dL, which may indicate anemia [6].

Other Diagnostic Tests

• Urinalysis: This test is used to examine the urine for any signs of tumors or other abnormalities [6].
• Chest CT and abdominal computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): These tests are used to visualize the chest and abdominal areas for any signs of tumors [9].

These diagnostic tests help doctors determine the exact type of tumor, its location, and whether it has spread. The results of these tests will guide further treatment decisions.

References: [4] - AT/RT is a primary central nervous system (CNS) tumor. [6] - CBC count: Approximately 55% of patients with MRT present with a hemoglobin level of less than 9 g/dL. [7] - Imaging studies such as, chest CT, abdominal ultrasound. MRI, CT, or PET scan imagining of the brain and bone scan are warranted when evidence ... [8] - A blood or tumor tissue sample is sent to a genetic testing lab. [9] - Sep 27, 2021 — Diagnosis · Abdominal computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) · Chest CT · Abdominal ultrasonography · MR, CT, ... [10] - Doctors use a few different tests to diagnose MRT. Imaging: Doctors use imaging scans such as MRI, ultrasound, and CT to get a look at where the tumor is in the body and how big it is. Biopsy: To check if the tumor is MRT, your child’s doctor will do a biopsy, taking a small sample from the tumor with a needle.