What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Adult Type Rhabdomyoma

What is Adult Rhabdomyoma? (Definition/Background Information)

• Adult Rhabdomyoma is an infrequent benign tumor of the connective tissues, showing mature skeletal muscle differentiation (meaning that it resembles skeletal muscle tissue)
• Elderly individuals, usually men, are prone to this tumor type
• The lesions appear generally as a single small lump in the head and/or neck. These locations account for 90% of all cases
• The symptoms include the presence of mucosal masses (soft tissue) and obstruction of the airways
• The treatment course includes close observation of the condition in asymptomatic cases (to check for any growth) and surgical management, if necessary

Who gets Adult Rhabdomyoma? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Adult Rhabdomyoma is observed with a higher incidence in men (3:1 male-female ratio), who are in their mid-to-late adult phase (33-80 years old). The average age at presentation is about 60 years
• There is no known ethnic or racial preference

What are the Risk Factors for Adult Rhabdomyoma? (Predisposing Factors)

• No definitive risk factors have been currently identified for Adult Rhabdomyoma

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one's chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Adult Rhabdomyoma? (Etiology)

• Currently, the exact cause and mechanism of formation of Adult Rhabdomyoma is unknown
• It is thought to occur spontaneously due to certain morphological abnormalities in the tissues

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Adult Rhabdomyoma?

Signs and symptoms of Adult Rhabdomyoma include:

• The benign nodules may grow at a slow rate and appear as well-defined masses with tenderness and pain
• The soft tissue tumors are normally solitary (70% of the times); multiple tumors maybe present
• Adult Rhabdomyoma mainly occurs in the soft tissues of the neck, mucus linings of the mouth, larynx, and voice box
• Due to the location of the tumor, symptoms such as blocked airways (causing breathing difficulties) and sensation of a mucosal mass (in the mouth), may be noted

How is Adult Rhabdomyoma Diagnosed?

Adult Rhabdomyoma is diagnosed by using the following tests and exams:

• Physical examination and evaluation of patient’s medical history
• Histopathological studies conducted on a biopsy specimen. The tissue may be obtained either by using fine needle aspiration, or surgical excision of the mass
• Ultrasound scan of the affected region
• MRI scan of the affected region

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Adult Rhabdomyoma?

The complications from Adult Rhabdomyoma may include:

• Acute respiratory problems
• Damage to the muscles, vital nerves, and blood vessels, during surgery
• Recurrence of the tumor after surgery (rate of recurrence is 42%). This is more frequently observed if the tumor is not completely excised and removed

How is Adult Rhabdomyoma Treated?

Treatment measures for Adult Rhabdomyoma include the following:

• If there are no symptoms, then non-surgical measures may be considered. This includes periodic observations through regular follow-up visits with one's healthcare provider
• Breathing difficulties are addressed symptomatically. In such cases, a liquid diet may be prescribed by the physician
• Surgical intervention with complete tumor excision not only results in a cure, but also eliminates the chances of tumor recurrence
• Radiation therapy and chemotherapy are not usually required
• Post-operative care is important: Minimum activity level is to be ensured until the surgical wound heals
• Follow-up care with regular screening and check-ups are important

How can Adult Rhabdomyoma be Prevented?

• Current medical research has not established a method of preventing Adult Rhabdomyoma
• Medical screening at regular intervals with scans and physical examinations are advised for those who have already endured the tumor

What is the Prognosis of Adult Rhabdomyoma? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• The prognosis is excellent with surgical intervention and complete removal of the lesion. The prognosis is excellent for tumors that are both superficial and deep-seated
• Adult Rhabdomyoma recurrence risk is dependent on the complete (surgical) removal of the tumor. An incomplete removal of the tumor increases the chances of its recurrence

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Adult Rhabdomyoma:

• Rhabdomyoma is a benign tumor of the connective tissues showing skeletal muscle origin. Based on its location, it is classified as cardiac and extracardiac types
• Extracardiac type is further classified into subtypes Adult Rhabdomyoma and Fetal Rhabdomyoma