Treatment for rhabdomyosarcoma (part 4)

Rhabdomyosarcoma treatment usually involves a combination of treatments, including chemotherapy, surgery and radiation therapy.

Surgery:

The goal of surgery is to remove all of the cancer cells. But it's not always possible to do that if the rhabdomyosarcoma has grown around or near organs or other important structures. When the cancer can't be removed completely with surgery, doctors may remove as much as possible and then use other treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation, to kill any cancer cells that might remain.

Read More: Rhabdomyosarcoma, its symptoms (part 1)

Chemotherapy:

Chemotherapy uses powerful drugs to kill cancer cells. The treatment usually involves a combination of drugs, which are usually administered through a vein. Which drugs are given and how often varies depending on your particular situation. Chemotherapy is often used after surgery or radiation therapy to kill any cancer cells that might remain. 

Radiation therapy:

Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams, such as X-rays and protons, to kill cancer cells. It's usually done with a machine that moves around you as it aims the radiation at precise points on the body. Radiation therapy might be recommended after surgery to kill any cancer cells that remain. 

    Courtesy: Mayo Clinic