Rhabdomyosarcoma is a tumor developing from muscle precursor cells. It is more common in children and rarer in adults. The most common localization of the neoplasm is the head and neck. In 7% of cases, rhabdomyosarcoma develops in orbit. As a rule, the disease can be cured completely. In Germany, most cases of rhabdomyosarcoma are cured with the preservation of the organ of vision. Doctors perform organ-preserving surgery, external beam radiation therapy, brachytherapy, and chemotherapy. After completing the main course of treatment, the patient can undergo plastic surgery to restore the integrity of the orbit and the appearance of the face, if required.
Content
- Diagnostics
- Principles of treatment
- Radiation therapy
To treat rhabdomyosarcoma, doctors carry out organ-preserving surgery, external beam radiation therapy, brachytherapy, and chemotherapy. The specialists can use various combinations of these methods, depending on the size of the tumor and its aggressiveness.
You can undergo treatment at the University Hospital Rechts der Isar Munich, the University Hospital Erlangen, the University Hospital Frankfurt am Main.
Please leave your request on the Booking Health website. We will fully arrange your trip and help you find the best clinic.
Diagnostics
Rhabdomyosarcoma of the orbit manifests itself with rapidly progressive exophthalmos (eyeball protrusion) and is sometimes disguised as inflammation. The tumor can develop in any part of the orbit and gradually displaces the eyeball.
The main diagnostic method is computed tomography. The images show a homogeneous formation with unclear contours. A biopsy is required to confirm the diagnosis. The assessment of tumor spread involves an examination with the following methods:
- Chest CT
- Abdominal ultrasound scanning
- Retroperitoneal ultrasound or CT scanning
- Soft tissue and bone scintigraphy
- Bone marrow biopsy
- Lumbar puncture
- Enlarged lymph node biopsy
Principles of treatment
Surgical resection of the tumor can be performed in case of a resectable tumor, a low risk of a significant aesthetic defect, or vision loss.
The treatment plan is developed based on the results of the biopsy. According to its results, the risk group is specified.
More than 90% of patients with isolated orbital rhabdomyosarcoma are successfully cured in the best clinics in Germany. When performing organ-preserving interventions, doctors preserve the structures of the orbit as much as possible. The tumor is removed, within healthy tissues.
If the doctor considers that it is impossible to operate safely, then chemoradiotherapy is performed. This is an organ-sparing treatment option that allows the specialist to cure the disease with a low risk of recurrence and a low likelihood of side effects. The eyeball and visual function are preserved.
Radiation therapy
Radiation therapy can be used in the following cases:
- As the main treatment, if surgery is unsafe
- After partial removal of rhabdomyosarcoma of the orbit in children, to destroy the residual tumor
- In case of the spread to other parts of the body – to relieve symptoms
Radiation therapy is usually combined with chemotherapy. These methods can be used sequentially. Initially, chemotherapy is used for 6-12 weeks, and then radiation therapy is performed. However, if the tumor has spread to the skull bones, brain, or spinal cord, then chemotherapy and radiation therapy are carried out simultaneously.
Some clinics in Germany use brachytherapy. This is contact radiation therapy. It involves placing radioactive material directly into the patient's eye socket. Although the procedure is invasive, it is safer than external beam irradiation, as it reduces radiation exposure to the brain, pituitary gland, and healthy eyes. Recurrences after brachytherapy are rare.
To undergo diagnostics and treatment of rhabdomyosarcoma of the orbit in Germany, you are welcome to use the Booking Health service. On our website, you can find out the cost of medical services. Compare how much is the price of treatment in different clinics in Germany in order to book a medical care program at favorable prices. The Booking Health specialists will help you choose a clinic and fully arrange your trip.
Authors:
The article was edited by medical experts, board-certified doctors Dr. Nadezhda Ivanisova and Dr. Sergey Pashchenko. For the treatment of the conditions referred to in the article, you must consult a doctor; the information in the article is not intended for self-medication!
Sources:
National Library of Medicine
MedicineNet
Verywell Health
