Akanimo Cancer Foundation

🎗️What is Rhabdomyosarcoma?

Not every swelling or persistent lump is harmless. This Sarcoma Awareness Month, we're raising awareness about Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) which is a rare cancer that develops in the soft tissues, particularly the muscles that attach to bones. It is one of the most common soft tissue sarcomas in children and can occur in almost any part of the body.

The signs and symptoms include:
🔸 A lump or swelling that continues to grow
🔸 Pain or tenderness in the affected area
🔸 Persistent headaches or vision changes (if the tumor is near the head)
🔸 Difficulty urinating or having bowel movements (if the tumor is in the pelvic area)
🔸 Bleeding from the nose, throat, va**na, or re**um, depending on where the tumor develops
🔸 Unexplained tiredness or weight loss in some cases

TREATMENT OPTIONS
Treatment depends on the location, size, and stage of the cancer, but it often involves a combination of:
✔️ Surgery to remove the tumor
✔️ Chemotherapy to destroy cancer cells
✔️ Radiation therapy when needed to target remaining cancer cells.

SURVIVAL RATES
Many children with rhabdomyosarcoma can be successfully treated, especially when the cancer is diagnosed early and treatment begins promptly. Outcomes are generally better for tumors that are detected before they have spread.

At Akanimo Cancer Foundation, we believe that awareness is one of the most powerful tools in the fight against childhood cancer. Recognizing the warning signs and seeking medical care without delay can make a life-changing difference.

💛 Early detection saves lives. If a child has a persistent lump, swelling, or unexplained symptoms that don't go away, don't ignore them. Seek medical evaluation as early as possible. Together, we can give more children the opportunity to receive timely treatment and a brighter future.