Rhabdomyoma is a rare benign tumor that develops from striated muscle and can cause problems depending on its location. It is most commonly found in adult men in the head or neck area, while cardiac rhabdomyomas are more common in children and can be associated with tuberous sclerosis. Treatment depends on the type and location of the tumor, with surgical removal being necessary in some cases. Nonsurgical management is usually used for cardiac rhabdomyomas.
A rhabdomyoma is a very rare type of growth, or tumor, that develops from what is called striated muscle. Striated muscle is the main type of muscle in the body and consists of those muscles that are attached to bones – which can be used to move parts of the body at will – and the muscles of the heart. A rhabdomyoma is typically a benign tumor, which means it’s not cancerous, but it could cause problems depending on where it’s growing. Most often, rhabdomyomas are found in adult men, in the head or neck area. Cardiac rhabdomyomas, which develop within the heart, are most commonly found in children.
In an adult, a rhabdomyoma usually appears as a rounded lump, or nodules, most commonly located in the neck. Usually, the tumor doesn’t cause any problems until it becomes large enough to press on surrounding structures, such as the throat or tongue. Symptoms may include difficulty swallowing and breathing or a hoarse voice.
What is called fetal rhabdomyoma can affect children in the first three years of life. The tumor is more likely to grow from striated muscle in the head or neck. Cardiac rhabdomyomas also tend to occur in babies, developing while a baby is in the womb and sometimes showing up on an ultrasound. They may be associated with a condition known as tuberous sclerosis, in which growths occur in the brain, kidneys, lungs, eyes and skin, as well as the heart. Autism, epilepsy, learning disabilities and kidney problems can also be part of this condition.
Genital rhabdomyomas are mostly found in women, where they grow in the muscles of the vulva or vagina. Young or middle-aged women can be affected. Because they are usually benign growths or noncancerous growths, rhabdomyomas are extremely unlikely to become malignant or cancerous, although in some rare cases they have.
Treatment for a rhabdomyoma depends on the type of tumor and the symptoms it is causing. In adults, a rhabdomyoma that causes difficulty breathing and swallowing requires surgical removal. Surgery can also be used to treat fetal and genital rhabdomyomas.
Management of cardiac rhabdomyomas is usually nonsurgical, unless the tumor is large or in a location that prevents the heart from functioning. This is because most cardiac rhabdomyomas will shrink or sometimes disappear completely. Nonsurgical management involves monitoring the progression of the tumor and using medications to regulate the heart rhythm, if necessary. The outlook for a patient with a rhabdomyoma varies depending on where the tumor is located, but is most often positive.
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